JERUSALEM (VINnews) – The Israel Defense Forces General Staff Forum convened Monday in Jerusalem to mark Jerusalem Day, with Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir emphasizing the city’s central role in Israeli society and the military’s mission to defend it.

During the annual meeting, forum members met with Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion at City Hall, where he hosted the group and thanked the IDF for its contributions.

“Our connection with the city of Jerusalem is deep and meaningful,” Zamir said. “These days, we are working to establish a dedicated recruitment office in the city and to open an IDF museum in the city. We will continue working to create additional important connections like these.”

Zamir highlighted Jerusalem as a symbol of coexistence and national resilience.

“The story of Jerusalem represents the story of the entire State of Israel. A city where people live side by side, not against one another. Everyone is part of the unique fabric of this city,” he said. “The IDF is the same. The people’s army, which brings together all parts of Israeli society around one shared mission: defending the state and ensuring our future here.”

The chief of staff also noted ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the military and the capital, including the relocation of IDF and defense establishment bases.

Lion welcomed the General Staff Forum in the City Council Chamber, describing the IDF and Jerusalem as foundational pillars of the state.

“The IDF and Jerusalem are two pillars of the State of Israel, and the connection between them is deep and inseparable,” Lion said. He praised Zamir for the long-standing partnership and called the agreement to move military bases to Jerusalem “a significant, and Zionist step that strengthens Jerusalem and the entire State of Israel.”

The gathering included lectures tied to Jerusalem Day themes.