Brig. Gen. Omer Tishler was elevated to the rank of Major General on Thursday as he prepares to take over as commander of the Israeli Air Force next week, replacing the current chief during a particularly tense period.
Tishler, who held key leadership roles as Air Force Chief of Staff and deputy commander during the October 7 attack, is set to assume command from Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar in the coming days.
During the promotion ceremony, Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed ongoing regional developments, focusing on Israel’s confrontations with Iran and its allied forces. “Iran was dealt heavy blows over the past year, blows that set it back years in all areas.”
He said that while the country faces increasing challenges, there are also significant opportunities to reshape the regional landscape.
Katz highlighted coordination with the United States, noting that President Donald Trump, working alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is leading efforts to ensure Iran does not pose an existential threat.
He added that Israel “supports the effort and gives the needed backing, but we may soon need to act again to ensure that the goals are met.”
Turning to the conflict in Lebanon, Katz said Hezbollah has sustained major damage over the past two years, including during Operation Roaring Lion.
“We will act and destroy all terrorist infrastructure in the security zone up to the Yellow Line, both above and below ground, just as we did in Gaza,” he said, adding that Israel will act “to remove threats from the residents of the Galilee and crush Hezbollah’s capabilities throughout Lebanon. We promised security to the residents of the north, and that is what we will deliver.”
Addressing Tishler directly, Katz emphasized the need for full operational readiness across all fronts, both near and distant. “The State of Israel will not allow its enemies to threaten its existence. We will continue to act with determination, strength, and responsibility to ensure the security of Israel’s citizens for generations.”
{Matzav.com}