IDF Chief of Staff Praises Civil Servants' Crucial Role in National Security
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, speaking at a special event honoring civil servants and reservists, emphasized the indispensable contribution of state employees to Israel's security and victory.
"All of you who provide services to citizens and soldiers, you are all servants of the people. This is the partnership between us," Halevi stated, addressing hundreds of civil service representatives and senior public sector managers. The event, organized by the National Labor Federation, also included remarks from Maj. Gen. Dadi Bar-Kalifa, head of the Manpower Directorate, Arnon Bar-David, chairman of the Histadrut labor federation, and Efi Malkin, the Treasury's wage commissioner.
Halevi lauded the dedication of civil servants, particularly reservists, stating, "Without you, it is impossible to win." He highlighted that his role as chief of staff is to command soldiers and officers who bear the nation's security, but the true honor belongs to everyone involved, including families and those who have paid the ultimate price. He also acknowledged the importance of military industries and the need to strengthen Israel's technological and industrial capabilities in a global arms race.
Arnon Bar-David, chairman of the Histadrut, echoed the sentiment, stressing that preventing a repeat of October 7 requires significant national investment and responsibility. He urged for unity, noting that division was exploited by enemies. He also called for equitable burden-sharing, including in military conscription, stating that the current system, which exempts large numbers of yeshiva students, is unsustainable given the ongoing security challenges.
Adv. Ofir Elkayam, chairman of the National Labor Federation, thanked civil servants for their critical role in the social and economic recovery post-October 7 and for their service to the nation. He emphasized that the IDF was established for all the people, above political divides, and that the current generation is a "victory generation" that has proven resilient. Elkayam also called for a change in the conscription system to ensure everyone shares the burden of national defense.
