Changing of the guard in IDF Southern Command

Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir officially enters the position of GOC Southern Command, replacing Maj. Gen. Sami Turgeman.

The ceremony had been delayed due to the recent violent demonstrations on the Gaza-Israel border, in which dozens of Palestinians breached the security fence and entered Israeli territory.

“The events of the past few days have proven the security challenges of the State of Israel,” IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot says, paying tribute to the outgoing commander.

“Sami, for more than two years you have led the Southern Command with wisdom and determination,” he says.

“Eyal, today we are putting in your hands the right and the great responsibility that goes along with leading the Southern Command,” Eisenkot says.