Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder acknowledged that despite the security achievements, Military Intelligence must exhibit “genuine humility” in light of the complexity Israel is facing.
Head of the IDF Intelligence Directorate (AMAN), Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, this week sent a letter to members of the Directorate at the conclusion of Operation Rising Lion, during which Israel engaged militarily with Iran.
“At the end of twelve historic days of combat against Iran, a ceasefire took effect yesterday, though it is too early to assess its stability,” Binder wrote. “Operation Rising Lion fully achieved its objectives, and even exceeded some, focusing on: striking multiple key components of Iran’s nuclear program, damaging the value chain of Iran’s precision missile industry, and preventing the emergence of an existential threat from Iran. These achievements will be discussed at length, and you—the men and women of Military Intelligence—played a central role in them.”
“Alongside this important recognition of our achievements,” he continued, “we in Intelligence must always remember that on the other side stands a determined and extremist enemy, with a deeply rooted and persistent belief-based concept of victory. AMAN will likely continue to be at the forefront of this struggle in the coming years—through early warning, intelligence gathering, situational analysis, and developing means to strike this enemy.”
Maj. Gen. Binder added, “It is precisely at such moments of exceptional success that the memory of AMAN’s failure on October 7th resonates. The same organization experienced both failure and success, carried out by individuals who gave their utmost to fulfill their mission. This memory obligates all Intelligence personnel to genuine humility—acknowledging the complexity of the profession and the fragility of our understanding of our various enemies. Those in this field bear a continuous responsibility for skepticism, self-critique, and constant review and improvement—both in times of success and in times of failure.”
According to Binder, “Following the operation, Israel faces a better security reality, though one no less complex. Across the various fronts, there remain many operational and intelligence challenges, which AMAN remains committed to addressing with responsibility and reverence. At the forefront remains the effort to achieve the war’s primary goals in the Gaza Strip: the urgent return of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas.”
“Throughout the operation, as in the long months of war that preceded it, I had the great privilege to meet so many of you across the country—commanders and soldiers, in regular service and reserves, in research and collection, in headquarters and operations, in AMAN formations and operational units, shoulder to shoulder with our partners in the IDF and the intelligence community. What unites you all is a deep belief in the justness of our path—extraordinary human strength, initiative, creativity, and a drive to act—that form the foundation of AMAN and the IDF’s achievements in this operation.”
“These qualities will continue to be necessary as we face the many challenges ahead,” Binder concluded, “and we will approach them alongside a comprehensive review of our actions in this campaign and the battle procedures that preceded it. I expect each of you to take an active and meaningful role in this process. I am proud of you and love you.”
He ended the letter with a verse from Proverbs: “Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
