New Battalion Commander Honors Fallen Officer and Bolsters Troops Before Funeral

The Israel Defense Forces on Thursday released radio communications from the deputy commander of Brigade 401, who had stepped in as the replacement for Battalion 52 commander Dor Ben Shimon, who was killed in Lebanon. As the funeral began, he addressed the soldiers with words of encouragement and resolve, saying, "We will keep fighting and stand firm on the front line in the war of the people of Israel for its land."

He also emphasized the battalion's place in a long military tradition, telling the troops, "We are part of a chain of generations of glorious fighters." In the same remarks, he noted the heavy losses the unit has suffered over the years, saying, "Over these years we have lost 24 of the battalion's fighters."

Despite the repeated casualties and the many wounded, both physically and emotionally, he said morale and performance remained strong. "The battalion excelled in its mission. This is thanks to the people, thanks to the regular soldiers, the career soldiers and the reservists," he said. He also sent condolences to the bereaved families and parents, adding that he was strengthening the battalion's personnel.