IDF chief phones new defense minister, says will work together against 'shared challenges'

IDF Chief Aviv Kohavi speaks with newly named Defense Minister Naftali Bennett, wishing him luck in combating the security challenges facing the country, the army says.

“I will do all I can so that we succeed together in advancing the security goals of the State of Israel and so that we will together overcome the shared challenges facing us,” Kohavi tells Bennett in a phone call.

According to the IDF, Bennett tells the army chief that he has “faith in the IDF and its commanders, with [Kohavi] at its head.”

“We must be prepared [to respond] immediately to every scenario in the region. I am here to assist, to serve and to help,” Bennett says.

— Judah Ari Gross