Brig. Gen. Elad Tzuri Appointed Commander of IDF's 99th Brigade After Lebanon War Valor

Brigadier General Elad Tzuri has assumed command of the IDF's 99th Brigade, known as the "Lightning" Brigade, succeeding Brig. Gen. Yoav Broner. The change of command ceremony took place on Thursday at the Flag Memorial in Netiv HaAsara, led by Central Command Chief, Major General Avi Blot, with the attendance of commanders, soldiers, and their families. Broner, who led the brigade for the past two years and will now command the Command and Staff Course, was praised by MG Blot for rapidly operationalizing the brigade during the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. MG Blot described Tzuri as "a hero of the War of Independence" and expressed confidence in his ability to achieve significant accomplishments with the brigade.

In his farewell remarks, Broner emphasized the brigade's embodiment of volunteer spirit and the connection between regular and reserve soldiers, stressing the ongoing duty to prevail and remain prepared. Incoming commander Tzuri acknowledged the current "just war" aimed at destroying enemies and removing threats on all fronts. He highlighted the need to continue learning, improving, and striking the enemy, accepting command with a deep sense of mission and responsibility, while underscoring the importance of settlement and activity in the region.

Tzuri is a decorated combat veteran who served as a tank company commander in the 82nd Battalion during the Second Lebanon War. He was wounded in battle at Maroun al-Ras after his tank was hit by anti-tank missiles but continued to lead his forces despite his injuries. For his actions, he received a Chief of Northern Command citation from then-commander Gadi Eisenkot. Tzuri thanked Broner for his leadership during wartime and wished him success in his future role.