“It is possible that we will soon be required to act again to ensure the achievement of our objectives,” Katz said in a clear reference to a potential return to confrontation with Iran.
By The IDF Club
Brig. Gen. Omer Tishler was promoted to the rank of major general on Thursday and will assume command of the Israeli Air Force in a ceremony held at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv.
The event was attended by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Defense Minister Israel Katz, senior commanders, and Tishler’s family.
Addressing the incoming commander, Katz emphasized the weight of the role amid ongoing regional conflict. “On this day, you take on not only the rank of major general, but a heavy responsibility for the security of the State of Israel,” he said, adding that the position carries responsibility “for our ability to defend ourselves in every arena and every scenario.”
Katz described the Air Force as Israel’s “leading strategic arm” and said maintaining air superiority is critical to preserving operational freedom. “Command of the Israeli Air Force is also the privilege of leading the best air force in the world,” he said.
Turning to the broader regional picture, Katz pointed to Iran as a central challenge while warning that the current phase of the conflict may not be over. “Iran has suffered extremely heavy blows over the past year, setbacks that have pushed it back years in all areas,” he said.
However, he added that renewed military action may be required. “We support the ongoing efforts, but it is possible that we will soon be required to act again to ensure the achievement of our objectives,” Katz said in a clear reference to a potential return to confrontation with Iran.
He also addressed the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, describing the group as an Iranian-backed force seeking to threaten northern Israel. “Hezbollah has suffered very heavy blows… but we must complete the task to ensure the removal of the threat to residents of the north,” Katz said, adding that the Air Force would play a “decisive role” in achieving that goal.
“We will act to destroy all terrorist infrastructure in the security zone… and crush Hezbollah’s capabilities throughout Lebanon,” he said.
IDF Chief of Staff Zamir praised both the outgoing and incoming commanders, invoking a biblical image to describe leadership. Quoting from Deuteronomy, he said, “‘Like an eagle stirring its nest’—this describes determined and courageous command that drives its people forward, to break boundaries and soar.”
Zamir also commended outgoing Air Force commander Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar for leading the force through one of the most complex periods in Israel’s history. “You led the Air Force to tremendous achievements that will be etched in the history of the state,” he said.
In his remarks, Tishler acknowledged the challenges ahead and reflected on the war that has defined much of his recent service. “With humility and a deep sense of mission, I accept today the rank of major general and in the coming days the command of the Air Force,” he said.
He described the ongoing conflict as “a long, demanding, and just war,” noting that it began with “a painful military failure… a black day in which we did not fulfill our mission and failed to defend the citizens of Israel.”
“That day I will carry with me forever,” he added.
Tishler, a third-generation soldier with 33 years of service, said he would work to ensure the Air Force remains ready to operate “at any moment, in any arena, near or far, against any threat.”
“I will do everything I can to be worthy of this trust,” he said.
