“Israel’s air superiority in the Middle East is a foundation of our national defense,” Netanyahu said.
By The IDF Club
The Israeli Air Force on Wednesday welcomed a new generation of combat aviators, as officers’ ranks and flight wings were awarded to graduates of Flight Course No. 191 during a ceremony held at the Israeli Air Force Museum at Hatzerim Airbase.
A total of 35 new aircrew members — 31 men and four women — officially joined the ranks of the IAF, where they are expected to form the operational and strategic spearhead of Israel’s air power in the years ahead.
The ceremony was attended by President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, senior commanders, and the families of the graduates.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s air superiority remains a cornerstone of national security.
“Israel’s air superiority in the Middle East is a foundation of our national defense,” Netanyahu said, stressing that Israel will continue equipping its pilots with the most advanced capabilities while preventing hostile actors from acquiring similar tools.
Despite recent demonstrations of strength, he warned that Israel cannot afford complacency, noting that its enemies are already seeking to rearm. “We do not seek confrontation,” he said, “but our eyes are open to every possible danger.”
Defense Minister Katz echoed that message, pointing to Israel’s recent actions against Iran alongside the United States during Operation ‘Rising Lion’. While declining to elaborate on ongoing developments, Katz made clear that Israel’s security doctrine has fundamentally changed since October 7.
“What existed before October 7 will not return,” Katz said. “We will not allow threats of annihilation against the State of Israel.” He added that Israel’s air power will remain central to the freedom of action Israel exercises — and will continue to exercise — across the region.
Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Zamir highlighted the human dimension behind Israel’s aerial dominance, recounting moments ahead of Operation Rising Lion when missions were launched amid uncertainty and significant risk.
“We went out knowing the defensive layers were complex and that returning safely was not guaranteed,” Zamir said. “But in the briefing room, I saw the true strength of our people.” He said that spirit — with pilots in the air and maneuvering forces on the ground in Gaza and Lebanon — is what ensures Israel’s ability to defeat any threat.
The ceremony underscored both continuity and resolve, as a new class of aviators joins an air force that Israeli leaders describe as decisive not only in warfare, but in deterrence — shaping Israel’s security environment well beyond its borders.
