Exchange Ceremony Held at Yoav Citadel to Honor Outgoing and Incoming Commanders of Givati Brigade
An exchange ceremony took place at Yoav Citadel on Wednesday evening to honor the outgoing and incoming commanders of the Givati Brigade. Led by Major General Yaron Finkelman, the commander of the Southern Command, and Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Lotan, the commander of the “Steel” formation (162), the event was attended by commanders, soldiers, families, and other guests.
During the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Lotan praised the Givati Brigade, describing it as a leader on land. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve under the brigade for over two years during the fighting in the Gaza Strip. Lotan commended the brigade for its curiosity, adaptability, and commitment to becoming more relevant. He emphasized the brigade’s strong sense of unity, professionalism, and brotherhood among its warriors. Lotan also highlighted the fighters’ resilience in the face of challenging events, mentioning the battles in Zeyton, Rafih, Tzuk Eitan, and Samaria. He concluded his address by calling for solidarity and the strengthening of common values in the complex period Israel is currently facing.
Outgoing commander Lt. Col. Eliad Moati expressed his pride in leading the Givati Brigade for the past two years. He acknowledged the brigade’s role in protecting the people and the country, as well as their success in preventing attacks and promoting the brigade’s mission. Moati praised the Givati Brigade’s commanders and soldiers for their readiness, initiative, and winning spirit. He lauded their dedication to fulfilling their responsibilities and commended their commitment to the common good. Moati emphasized that the Givati Brigade is not only an army that defends its citizens and country but also plays a vital role in fostering cohesion within Israeli society and developing its human capital.
Taking the stage, incoming commander Lt. Col. Liron Batito reflected on his 25 years of experience with the brigade. He carried the spirit of the brigade with him throughout various battles and operational successes and failures. Batito emphasized the privilege he felt in continuing the great legacy of the Givati Brigade and contributing to its strength. He described the brigade as a home and a family of warriors, representing the beautiful face of the State of Israel. Batito praised the brigade’s front-line leadership, resourcefulness, and commitment to excellence, stating that Givati always strives to win.
The exchange ceremony at Yoav Citadel symbolized a passing of the torch from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Eliad Moati to incoming commander Lt. Col. Liron Batito. Both commanders expressed their deep pride in leading the Givati Brigade and their commitment to upholding its legacy as a highly capable and mission-oriented force. The event served as a reminder of the prevailing spirit of camaraderie, resilience, and dedication within the Givati Brigade and the Israel Defense Forces as a whole.