Southern Command Chief Denounces Falsehoods, Vows to Uphold Truth

Major General Yaron Finkelman, commander of the IDF's Southern Command, delivered a strong address at a Rosh Hashanah ceremony in the Eshkol Regional Council, directly confronting what he termed "lies" and "evil" aimed at undermining Israel's cause. Speaking to commanders and local authority heads, Finkelman asserted that Israel is fighting a righteous war for "light and good" against darkness, promising to counter false claims with facts and answer difficult questions honestly.

He reflected on the "terrible morning" of October 7th, acknowledging the profound shock, the shattered trust, and the severe blow to Israelis' sense of security. However, he emphasized the military's resilience and unity in the face of an unprecedented war. Finkelman characterized Hamas as an enemy deeply embedded within Gaza's population, nurtured by a radical ideology, and noted that while dissent exists, it is suppressed.

Finkelman highlighted the IDF's commitment to moral conduct, contrasting it with Hamas's alleged use of civilians as human shields. "We insist on keeping our ranks pure, distinguishing between an enemy and those not involved, harming the enemy, thwarting them, and simultaneously doing everything in our power to minimize harm to those not involved," he stated. He pledged transparency, promising to investigate, learn from, and correct any failures discovered within the ranks, viewing this as a moral imperative.

Addressing attempts to tarnish Israel's international reputation, Finkelman declared, "They will not succeed!" He detailed ongoing operations within Gaza, including the destruction of Hamas's tunnel network, weapons, and production infrastructure, aimed at preventing the organization's resurgence and removing threats to Israeli civilians. He concluded by urging his commanders to lead with courage and dedication, assuring them of the public's support and emphasizing the ultimate goal of enabling southern residents to live in security.