Brigadier General Nadav Loten was promoted to Major General yesterday (Wednesday) in a ceremony held at “Rabin” base (the Kirya) presided over by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Herzl Halevi, in the presence of Defense Minister Israel Katz and members of the General Staff forum, commanders, and the general’s family. Loten is expected to assume his duties in the coming weeks.
“There is a very basic fact that the last war has proven, and continues to prove: There is no substitute for the capabilities of ground units in achieving victory in war,” said the Defense Minister. “Experience from recent years has taught us that both in times of routine and in times of conflict, the ground forces must operate at all times with a creative and innovative outlook that always looks several years ahead.”
“Nadav, the rank of major general that has just been awarded to you and your joining the General Staff forum reflect the esteem towards you,” Katz added. “From now on, the burden of proof is on you. Tamir, thank you for everything. Nadav, your success is our success.”
The newly appointed Major General Nadav Loten said, “I join this significant forum with a deep understanding of the responsibility, courage, and sharp thinking required to ensure the existence of the State of Israel and to meet the goals of the just war imposed upon us.” The incoming Ground Forces Commander added: “The ground force is the insurance policy of the people of Israel.”
Loten continued: “Maneuver is a central capability in the security concept since the establishment of the State, and today, every day the IDF under the command of field commanders proves that strong, connected, and efficient ground forces, with multi-domain support, can reach anywhere we designate for them in the campaign.”
“With humility and respect, I salute you, field commanders and soldiers in active duty and reserves for recovering from last year (October 7th) and for the tremendous achievements across all fronts,” the general added.
“I accept the significant duty and mission to build the ground forces for the current campaign and for the upcoming campaigns we are expected to face in the coming years. Building maneuver and defense forces is a national task. This is the role of my life! I will do whatever is necessary to establish a learning, effective ground army with endurance and, above all, with the preservation of the offensive and practical spirit required at all command levels,” he concluded.
The Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Herzl Halevi, congratulated the incoming Ground Forces Commander and thanked the outgoing commander: “The commanders sitting here know what we want from the ground, know how necessary and important it is. Wars are won with a powerful and very strong ground force,” declared the Chief of Staff. “Tamir – thank you very much for your partnership and for outstanding achievements. We have made very significant progress that gives us a lot of strength, and I am sure you, Nadav, will know how to take it and refine it even more.”
