Religious Officer Sivan Bloch Appointed Commander of 'Bashan' Division

Brigadier General Sivan Bloch assumed command of the "Bashan" Division (Division 210) yesterday, Wednesday, during a handover ceremony at the Nafah camp. Bloch, an observant Orthodox Jew, father of four, residing in the settlement of Halamish, and a graduate of the Bnei Akiva Yeshiva in Nachalim, succeeds Brigadier General Yair Pelei. Pelei, also an observant officer, commanded the division for the past two years and is now moving on to studies.

The ceremony was presided over by the head of the Northern Command, Major General Rafi Milo, and attended by the head of the Southern Command, Major General Yaniv Asor, the head of the Syrian Directorate, Major General Rassan Alian, the head of the Shin Bet security agency, David Zini, commanders, soldiers, families, and other guests.

During the ceremony, Milo bid farewell to Pelei, acknowledging his two years of command and the mission of defending the residents of the Golan Heights. Milo addressed Bloch, stating, "Sivan, you know the North, you have the knowledge, experience, ability, and quality. You are one of the best field commanders. You have combat and operational experience from the war and from years of command in the North. We trust you to lead the division forward, to new challenges. Good luck."

Upon taking command, Bloch emphasized the division's central mission and its commitment to the region's residents. "Heads of councils and residents of the Golan and the North, you are at the heart of our mission. Our role is to enable you to live, grow, and develop here in security. We will do this in partnership, with responsibility, and full commitment," Bloch stated. He also expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and pledged to act with "determination and dedication" to fulfill all missions assigned to the division.

Bloch's appointment follows a series of senior command roles in the IDF, including commander of the Golani Brigade's 12th Battalion, commander of the Hiram Division, and commander of the Bislamach Brigade. The outgoing commander, Pelei, also reflected on his tenure, mentioning the heavy price of battles on two fronts and specifically recalling his nephew, Captain Shahar Gamla, who fell in Lebanon while serving in the Egoz Unit.