New IDF Spokesperson takes office
Brig. Gen. Ronen Manlis take over as the new IDF Spokesperson, replacing Maj. Gen. Moti Almoz, who will now serve as head of the Manpower Directorate; 'I take on the role of the IDF Spokesperson, understanding my responsibility, in awe of the position,' Manlis says.
Col. Ronen Manlis officially became the IDF Spokesperson on Thursday during a ceremony held at the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv. He was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.
In attendance were IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and members of the General Staff. Manlis replaces Maj. Gen. Moti Almoz, who was appointed head of the IDF's Manpower Directorate.
"If in the past, victory was determined only on the battlefield, today, it is also done in the media," said Defense Minister Lieberman at the ceremony. "The battle for public opinion is no less important than the one on the battlefield, and to explain our position in Israel and abroad, the battle over public opinion is very important."
Chief of Staff Eisenkot added, "We, as the IDF, are in a glass house for the Israeli society, which is looking to the army with the expectation and understanding this country's insurance is the IDF. I believe that public trust in the IDF is perhaps the most important element in the IDF's ability to meet its challenges and fulfill its mission."
Almoz congratulated Manlis on his assumption of office and said, "I am mainly passing on the people to you. Behind the title 'IDF Spokesperson,' there are male and female officers and talented and intelligent soldiers. This is a unique group of people."
Manlis summed it up, saying "I take on the role of the IDF Spokesperson, understanding my responsibility, in awe of the position, with modesty and with an understanding of its importance on the battlefield. The criticism that sometimes appears in the media is legitimate and can and should help the IDF become a better army, and we must learn from it and improve. But the knowledge that the IDF is an army of the state, the army of all of us, must always be present."
