The outgoing Northern Command commander, Major General Uri Gordin, spoke at his replacement ceremony by Major General Rafi Milo and said that "For many years, we allowed the threat of a terrorist organization to grow stronger and position itself on our northern border - this is an operational and strategic mistake, by me and my predecessors - a serious mistake that must not be repeated. This is a mistake due to which, and because of the great risk to residents, the State of Israel evacuated tens of thousands of residents from their homes for their protection, and now, when this heavy threat has been removed - we are commanded to ensure that no other threat grows in its place."