Former commander of 162nd Division officially takes over as head of IDF Operations Directorate

Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen officially assumes his new role as head of the IDF’s Operations Directorate, replacing Maj. Gen. Oded Basiuk, who is retiring after 34 years of service.

The change-of-command ceremony is held at the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, led by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and attended by senior officers and the commanders’ families.

Zamir praises Basiuk’s leadership during one of the most complex periods in Israel’s history, including the October 7, 2023, Hamas onslaught and the recent 12-day conflict with Iran.

“You led the directorate through one of the most challenging periods we’ve faced,” Zamir says. “You did so with responsibility and sound judgment, out of a deep sense of mission and commitment to the citizens of Israel.”

Turning to Cohen, Zamir calls him “a brave and determined commander” who led the 162nd Division to “significant achievements” during the Gaza war.

“I have no doubt that you will continue to lead with professionalism, accountability, and deep commitment to the homeland,” he says.

In his farewell remarks, Basiuk reflects on the failures of October 7 and the military receovery that followed.

“The campaign in Gaza is not over, and the mission will not be complete until all the hostages return home,” he says. “This is an operational, moral, and national mission.”

Taking up the post, Cohen says he is stepping into the role “with reverence and a deep sense of responsibility.”

“We will remember and never forget those who fell in battle — civilians and heroic fighters — and we will do everything to bring the hostages home and defeat our enemies wherever we are needed,” he adds.