Inaugurating the Israel Defense Forces 70 years ago, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion said: "And now we open a new chapter – the establishment of Israel's standing army, the army of Israel's liberty and independence in our land. … From this moment onward, this army will be charged with the security of the people and the homeland."
Since then, we have known trials and tribulations that have forced the IDF to adapt and adopt new ways and methods. But it has not forgotten its clear and salient purpose for one second: to defend the country, ensure its existence and emerge victorious in war.
Seventy years on, we seek to revisit the words of the first prime minister and strengthen the foundations of the IDF, the army entrusted with the nation's security, which proves worthy of the people's trust at every turn. This army, whose soldiers, patriotic women and men, courageous and resourceful warriors, have laid down their lives in duty.
This army is first and foremost a fighting army, and now a sophisticated one, cunning and ready for battle. Every day, our forces deploy on our borders, applying their might anywhere it is required. The intelligence and technological advancements at our disposal provide a powerful umbrella for our fighters in any mission they undertake, whether in broad daylight or under the cover of darkness. Our daring fighting doctrine is predicated on a determined, courageous spirit and deep-rooted patriotism. This spirit shines powerfully in every war Israel fights, every operation the IDF launches; it swells with pride over our accomplishments and agonizes over fallen comrades – the spirit of the Israeli warrior.
This army is the people's army. From the day of its creation to now, the army has comprised every stratum of society and has relied on the public's support and faith. The source of the IDF's strength lies in the generations of young people willing to carry the burden of national security on their shoulders. Many faces comprise our singular image; thousands of different faces that make up Israeli society. This army is an official representative of the country. Each of its soldiers swears allegiance to the State of Israel. It is our duty to uphold this status as a representative; but moreover, it has allowed us to act together, toward one goal through shared values.
This army is an ethical army. Defense of the country, love of the homeland, human dignity: These all serve as the IDF's moral backbone. We must continue to act in accordance with the IDF's spirit, in the knowledge that our ethical might is inseparable from our operational might. It is the IDF's very ability to preserve its unmistakable values in such a complex reality that testifies to its ethical and moral fortitude.
Commanders and soldiers, proud and dutiful we stand on this historic day. On behalf of the citizens and residents of Israel, on behalf of our brothers and sisters at home and abroad, rise to victory, fulfill your mission.
