Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter Calls for Initiative and Faith Amid Ongoing Security Challenges

Retired Brigadier General Ofer Winter issued a resolute and faith-driven message addressing Israel's ongoing security situation and the necessity for the state to maintain initiative and decisively confront its enemies. Winter emphasized that Israel was founded on strong belief in its just cause, initiative, and the will to achieve resolution, rejecting passivity or reliance on others. "Israel was established through responsibility, daring, and action, and this remains true today," he wrote.

Winter praised the resilience and effectiveness of Israel's security forces, noting that for nearly three years, Israeli fighters have been actively and powerfully combating and defeating enemies across various fronts. He stressed the national duty and right to defend the country's existence.

Drawing from the weekly Torah portion, Winter referenced verses from Deuteronomy warning against pride and exclusive reliance on human strength, reminding that God grants the power and ability to act. He underscored that while initiative is essential, it must be coupled with humility and recognition of divine support.

Concluding, Winter recalled words he wrote to his troops at the end of Operation Protective Edge, when he commanded the Givati Brigade: "Through our professional and ethical fighting alongside other army units, we achieved victory. Together we built this corps... With humility, I thank the Creator who gave me the strength to build this corps with you."