‘Everything came together’: Air Force chief hails strikes on Iran at airbase change of command ceremony

The Israeli Air Force held a change of command ceremony yesterday at Tel Nof air base, where Brig. Gen. “Shin” officially assumed command, replacing Brig. Gen. “Alef,” who led the base for the past two years.

Both commanders can only be named by their first Hebrew initial, per IDF regulations.

IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar praised the base’s contribution during recent operations, most notably the June 13 strikes on Iran — dubbed “Operation Rising Lion” — that started a 12-day war during which Tehran’s nuclear facilities sustained immense damage.

“In Operation Rising Lion, everything came together in a completeness that showcased this base’s full capabilities,” adding that Tel Nof had played a decisive role in what he called “the historic task of removing an existential threat from the people of Israel.”

Outgoing commander Brig. Gen. “Alef” said leading Tel Nof was not a privilege but a duty, adding: “There is no greater sense of meaning than being another small stone in the mosaic built here across generations.”

Incoming commander Brig. Gen. “Shin” described Tel Nof as “a home, a family, and a warm corner of my heart.” He said he was taking on the role “with reverence, understanding the responsibility, challenges and complexities.”