Brig. Gen. Eliab Elbaz assumed command of the ‘Sinai’ Division (252), replacing Brig. Gen. Yehuda Wach, who served in this role for the past two years and is moving on to head the Doctrine and Training Division in the Operations Directorate.
The change of command ceremony was held today (Tuesday) at ‘Maoz Mul Gaza’, presided over by the Commander of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, with the participation of commanders, soldiers, and families.
“Exactly one year ago, on October 13, 2025, following the severe and real threat we posed to Hamas, all living hostages were released, and most of the deceased hostages,” said the Commander of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor. “With Yehuda and the division, we worked tirelessly until we brought home the last abducted soldier, Ran Guili, may his memory be blessed. Ran’s return was an example and a model of the ethos of not leaving anyone behind and that we are all for one.”
“The mission is not complete. We will continue to act with determination, initiative, and offensiveness, we will pursue our enemies everywhere, we will attack and thwart, and we will do whatever is necessary so that the citizens of Israel can live here in security. This is our mission, this is our responsibility, and this is our commitment to the residents, the fighters, and future generations.”
“Yehuda,” added the Commander of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, “since Black Saturday on October 7th, you answered ‘Here I am.’ You led Brigade 261, including Gefen cadets from Bahad 1, in the first attack on Gaza. You initiated, sought contact, improvised, and sabotaged. You did not accept the reality as it was, and you understood the gravity of the hour and the magnitude of the responsibility. Later in the war, you took command of the division and brought it with momentum, initiative, and an uncompromising demand to move forward and transition to offense. You possess boldness of thought, determination in execution, and a command fervor that sweeps your subordinates along.”
“Elbaz, on October 7th, you volunteered and joined the Paratroopers Brigade where you grew and were shaped. Subsequently, as commander of Bahad 1, you led the mission to clear the area in Rafah. You conducted the training of ‘Dekel’ Battalion cadets on the battlefield, in the face of the enemy and far from training grounds. You educated and taught them by example, strengthened their spirit, and instilled confidence in them. You bring with you extensive command experience from multiple arenas, humility, and professionalism.”
“Three years ago, we stood here broken and shattered into pieces,” said the outgoing commander of the ‘Sinai’ Division (252), Brig. Gen. Yehuda Wach. “With the breaking of the fences, our hearts also broke; we could not believe the horrors our eyes witnessed. A little over two years ago, I took command of Division 252. Even then, we knew that a great, historic mission rested on our shoulders; an entire nation looked to us and prayed for our victory; an entire generation expected us to be worthy of it. The expectation elevated us, and we understood that there was no mission we could not accomplish, and we vowed to ourselves – there will be no time they call us and we do not report; we will report to decide, to win.”
“Division 252, for the past two years, we have worked almost non-stop, learning the language of this heroic generation that broke through here from among the rocks on Simchat Torah. All we did was gather and nurture, learn and teach. Nachal Oz has returned to flourish, and the area of its tributaries has grown.”
“In the past two years, 22 soldiers fell in battle under my command,” added the outgoing commander of the ‘Sinai’ Division (252), Brig. Gen. Yehuda Wach. “Each one of them is etched on the tablet of my heart, and their image reminds me of the battle and the place for which they fought and fell. To our wounded, in body and soul, who carry the scars of battle, the battle you continue to wage is a great inspiration for us. I wish you a speedy recovery and a return to your comrades.”
“Thanks to the thousands of reservists and their families, who have been fighting for 3 years – you are the crown jewel and the beating heart that revives the nation and society in Israel. I hope we are worthy of you. To Elbaz, my brother and friend – you are the right person to continue the path of fighters and the path of victory forward. Your roots are deep, and you know how to walk your own path. I wish you, your wife, and your children, that you draw joy from those who walk the path of the mission. Division 252 – continue to focus on the main thing, to create a new reality – the people of Israel are proud of you. It was a great privilege to command you; continue until victory.”
“Three years and six days ago, in this place where we stand and in the verdant open spaces around us, in the kibbutzim, in the settlements, on the roads, in the camps, and in the bases, the State of Israel experienced the hardest day in its history,” said the incoming commander of the ‘Sinai’ Division (252), Brig. Gen. Eliab Elbaz. “From failure and sorrow, we rose. Every commander, fighter, and reservist who fought and was present here in the hours and days after the massacre will not forget the sights of horror – the bodies, the burned vehicles and homes, the smells, and the shock that gripped us all.”
“It is our duty to care for, train, equip, and prepare our reservists for war. It has been proven for the umpteenth time that they are the shield of the people of Israel. The lessons of that cursed day will be our guiding light. To Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, thank you for your trust and for entrusting me with this important role. I promise to do everything in my power to justify that trust and lead this division with excellence.”
“Dear Yehuda, this is the fourth time we have met in overlapping roles in the army,” added the incoming commander of the ‘Sinai’ Division (252), Brig. Gen. Eliab Elbaz. “I had the privilege of learning from you as a deputy when we were junior officers in the Paratroopers Brigade, to replace you in command of Brigade 646 and Bahad 1, and I have the privilege again to replace you today in command of Division 252, which you led with excellence for the past two years. Thank you for a serious and instructive handover, for exemplary command, and for the far-reaching changes you led. Thank you to your dear wife for being a stable support for the family and allowing you to perform this role with immense sacrifice.”
“My dear family, we are embarking on a new and exciting journey, and we know very well what we are fighting for. As a son of the South, who grew up and was educated throughout the Negev, I am prouder than anyone to take command of Division 252, the largest and most central reserve division of the State of Israel. I understand and am well aware of the gravity of the hour. Good luck to us all.”
For the commanders’ biographies
For the full speech of the Commander of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor
For the full speech of the outgoing commander of the ‘Sinai’ Division (252), Brig. Gen. Yehuda Wach
For the full speech of the incoming commander of the ‘Sinai’ Division (252), Brig. Gen. Eliab Elbaz