The changeover ceremony for the position of National Security Adviser was held today (Sunday, 3 November 2013), in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Jerusalem office. IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz, Mossad Director Tamir Pardo, ISA Director Yoram Cohen and Atomic Energy Commission Director Dr. Shaul Horev participated in the ceremony. US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro spoke and awarded outgoing National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Yaakov Amidror a US flag that had flown over the US Embassy in Israel.
Outgoing NSC Advisor Amidror said: "I thank the Prime Minister for offering me the position, for having boundless trust in me, for giving me almost complete freedom to do what I thought best, for listening to my words and for backing my actions. He patiently listened to my arguments and was open to my views. It is important to remember that Israel has one clear existential danger and everything must be done to remove it; if possible, by negotiations and if it is not possible by negotiations, then in another way. The second thing is, today the Middle East is a place in motion. There have already been many upheavals and many more are to be expected in the future. This dangerous situation, perhaps the most dangerous in the 40 years in which I have been dealing with these issues, requires much caution and much thought."
Incoming National Security Adviser Yossi Cohen said: "I take up this office with a deep sense of mission. I thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your decision to appoint me to lead the National Security Council and serve as your National Security Adviser at a time when the world around us is in ferment and the State of Israel faces security challenges in all major and significant spheres. In the previous 30 years I have served the State of Israel in the framework of the Mossad. After long years of operational work abroad, as an operations officer and commander, as well as staff work in Israel, I view the position of National Security Adviser as a natural continuation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have taken care that my taking up this office should be proper, successful, smooth and meaningful so that I might do well in my post. Anyone who is familiar with the logo of the Mossad knows that it has a menorah, which is, in effect, the values compass for all of us in the service of the State of Israel. Above it is written 'Where there is no counsel, the people fall.' [Proverbs 11:14] This is what I have done over the past 30 years and below it is written 'But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.' [Proverbs 11:14] Thus I will endeavor to do."
Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated incoming National Security Adviser Cohen and thanked outgoing National Security Adviser Amidror: "The main thing is that, in the end, the thread of our existence depends on us and we will not let it be cut by anyone. The question is – how do we make certain that the most challenged and threatened state on the face of the earth not only continues to survive but continues to defend itself, to build up its strength, to prosper, and to ensure its future. This is our mission. Yaakov Amidror has greatly contributed to the State of Israel. He has helped me very much. I know that Yossi Cohen will continue this work. Yossi has a very long resume and I am certain this commitment and this professionalism will find expression."
