Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy said, following the decision to form the division, “Strengthening defense on the border in general and the eastern border in particular was our goal before the war, and in light of October 7 and recent events, it has taken on a different effect.”
He added, “There is an urgent need to establish additional frameworks at the regular and reserve military levels in order to reduce the burden on reserve members. Accordingly, we decided to create a division to strengthen the defense of the eastern border. This is a necessary decision in light of the expected challenges and in accordance with the force-building processes in the army.”
The Israeli army stated in a statement that “Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy agreed to establish an eastern regional division, aimed at protecting the eastern borders of the State of Israel.”
He added, “The decision came at the conclusion of a study that examined the operational needs and defensive capabilities in the region, based on planning force-building work in the army.”
The Israeli army also stated that a decision had been made regarding the formation of the new division, “based on the lessons of the war and an assessment of the situation,” noting that “the division will be subject to the responsibility of the Central Command” in the army.
The statement stated, “The squad aims to strengthen defensive efforts in the border area, Route 90, and towns and provide a response to dealing with terrorist incidents and weapons smuggling, while maintaining peaceful borders, and enhancing cooperation with the Jordanian army.”
Source: Agencies
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**Interview with Israeli Army Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy**
**Interviewer:** General Halevy, can you explain the rationale behind forming the new eastern regional division for the Israeli army?
**Herzi Halevy:** Certainly. Our primary goal has always been to strengthen the defense along our borders, particularly the eastern border. The recent events, especially those surrounding October 7, have heightened the urgency of this initiative. We recognized the need for additional frameworks within both our regular and reserve forces to alleviate the current strain on reserve members.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that the decision was based on lessons learned from recent conflicts. Can you elaborate on what specific operational needs were addressed?
**Herzi Halevy:** The establishment of this division was a result of a thorough examination of our operational needs and existing defensive capabilities in the region. We assessed the changes in the security landscape and our force-building processes, leading us to develop a division that will enhance our defensive posture, particularly in response to threats like terrorist incidents and weapons smuggling.
**Interviewer:** How does this new division plan to interact with neighboring forces, specifically the Jordanian army?
**Herzi Halevy:** The new squad aims to not only fortify Israeli defenses along key routes but also to maintain peaceful borders and enhance cooperation with the Jordanian army. Collaborative efforts are essential in addressing shared security challenges and ensuring regional stability.
**Interviewer:** Given the current geopolitical climate, do you anticipate any pushback or differing opinions on this new division from within Israel or its neighboring countries?
**Herzi Halevy:** It’s critical for us to remain cognizant of the varied perspectives in the region. While our focus is on enhancing national security, we are aware that other parties may interpret our actions differently. Open dialogue and cooperation will be fundamental in mitigating misunderstandings and fostering stability.
**Interviewer:** As the new division is being established, what do you believe the public’s reaction will be? Do you foresee support, concerns, or perhaps mixed feelings among the citizens of Israel?
**Herzi Halevy:** I believe there will be a spectrum of reactions. While many will support the heightened security measures, others may have concerns about the implications for civil liberties or regional relations. It’s essential for us to engage with the public and address their questions, as open discourse can transform concerns into understanding.
**Reader Question:** What are your thoughts on the establishment of a new division in Israel aimed at bolstering security along its eastern border? Do you see it as a necessary step for national security, or could it escalate tensions in the region?