The chief of staff, Lt. Col. Aviv Kochavi, decided to vacate his busy schedule, and appear today (Monday) at the cabinet meeting that is expected to approve the awarding of the battle signal to fighters in the security zone and a similar signal to the southern Lebanese army fighting alongside IDF soldiers.
As announced on Friday in Israel Today, Defense Minister Bnei Gantz laid out the proposed resolution to award a campaign signal to IDF soldiers and SLA members. This, for their participation in the campaign in the Lebanese security zone from September 1982 to May 2000. The government is expected to approve the legislation today, and Lt. Col. Kochavi has exceptionally decided to appear before the committee.
Command exchange ceremony in Unit 8200 / Photo: IDF Spokesman
Usually, the chief of staff does not leave a schedule in such a short period of time, unless it is an important and unusual event. Lt. Col. Kochavi decided to attend the cabinet meeting in light of the importance of the matter in his eyes – and the fact that he personally fought in southern Lebanon, and also sees great importance in honoring the SLA members who fought alongside them. The battle medal will be awarded to IDF fighters and SLA members in a ceremony to be held in the presence of commanders and fighters who fought in the security strip, probably near or after Memorial Day.