Air force chief says IDF’s key focus is maintaining unity in ranks, military readiness

Chief of the Israeli Air Force Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar say the “challenge” of maintaining unity in the military and its readiness for battle is the main task at hand, as protests against the judicial overhaul roil the Israel Defense Forces.

“The challenge of competence and cohesion among our servicemembers is at the core of the occupation [of the IAF], at the core of the IDF’s focus,” Bar says at a change of command ceremony for the Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel.

“In recent days, there have been calls toward us, those wearing uniform. On this occasion, I turn to you, my people, remember who we are, remember what we get up for in the morning. Even when it’s difficult, the nation knows who we are, the state knows why we get up in the morning,” he says.

“The challenges ahead of us are significant, together with all the branches of the IDF we will know how to be in every scenario and arena,” Bar says, adding that the IAF is “strong and capable.”