New IAF chief: We're ready for anything

General Staff welcomes Maj.-Gen. Amir Eshel as new Air Force commander. IDF Chief Gantz: Israel has the best air force in the world

Elior Levy|Published: 05.10.12 , 17:55

Maj.-Gen. Amir Eshel officially took office as Israel's new Air Force commander Thursday. Eshel will replace Major-General Ido Nehushtan, who is retiring from IDF service after 37 years.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Benny Gantz thanked Nehushtan for his service and welcomed Eshel into office: "We have the best air force in the world. It shoulders a strategic and significant responsibility," he said.

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The IAF chiefs' rotation ceremony was held at the IDF's Rabin Base – the Kirya – in Tel Aviv, with Defense Minister Ehud Barak in attendance.

"The Air Force serves as Israel's chief deterrence force and its main tactical arm," Barak said.

"The IAF is constantly vigilant, 365 days a year, nationwide and across the globe, with one goal in mind – Israel's security," outgoing IAF Chief Nehushtan said.

He further wished Eshel luck in his new post, adding that he had "every faith that he can lead the IAF vis-à-vis any future challenge."

"Commander Nehushtan is leaving us with a powerful, quality air force, which is facing significant challenges. We are ready for whatever mission we me be called for,," Eshel stated.