IDF awards citations to Sayeret Matkal for covert ops

New Sayeret Matkal commander sworn in; MI technological units also awarded for "breakthrough developments."

By YAAKOV LAPPIN
Updated: MARCH 17, 2016 03:47
New Sayeret Matkal commander sworn in (photo credit: COURTESY IDF SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE)
New Sayeret Matkal commander sworn in
(photo credit: COURTESY IDF SPOKESMAN'S OFFICE)
The IDF awarded soldiers from the elite Sayeret Matkal unit with citations of excellence for covert operations held over the past two years.
Members of the Military Intelligence Technological Directorate also received citations for breakthrough technologies that became operational in the past year.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot addressed the ceremony at a base of the Sayeret Matkal (Hebrew for General Staff Reconnaissance Unit). “From my perspective, this short meeting is a chance to express to all of you a very deep appreciation for your work, thought, planning, the carrying out of missions, and contribution of each one in his role.
“This ceremony is an expression of thanks for your great contribution to the IDF, to the security of the State of Israel, and to the contribution, when the day comes, to the IDF’s ability win in the smart, fast, effective way, through the use of ruses.”
Military Intelligence chief Maj.-Gen. Herzl Halevi told the gathering, “You, members of the unit, who act quietly, and carry out the most complex of missions with quality, deserve much appreciation. This ceremony is an opportunity to tell you that.”
Following the ceremony, the new commander of the Sayeret Matkal (who cannot be named) was sworn in. Col. H replaced Col. S, who served in the post for the past two years and 10 months.