IDF chief visits Home Front Command amid coronavirus pandemic

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi visits the Home Front Command’s headquarters outside of the city of Ramle, inspecting the military unit that has thus far played the greatest role in combating the spread of the coronavirus.

The Home Front Command, which is responsible for civil defense, has worked closely with local governments and emergency services in a bid both to help them weather the crisis and to prepare to step in and take over for them if necessary.

During the visit, the army chief visited troops working with the Magen David Adom ambulance service, hospitals, the health care system and local governments, and with preparing instructional materials for the public.

“This is a time of emergency and the IDF is matching its functions to it and to the needs of the country, and you are a great example of that,” Kohavi tells Home Front Command soldiers.

“The IDF is already working in a number of fields to help and to prepare to continue to work on any mission that is demanded of us. All IDF soldiers must be prepared for all developments — as always, we are ready for any mission. Your job in assisting on the civilian front directly influences the ability of the State of Israel to deal with the virus outbreak,” Kohavi says.

Kohavi was joined by the head of the IDF Home Front Command Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, the head of the IDF Manpower Directorate Maj. Gen. Moti Almoz and other senior officers.