After Arieh Amidor ignored her: Sgt. Maj. V. to receive commendation from IDF Chief of Staff

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir awarded a certificate of appreciation to Sgt. Maj. V. from Unit 8200, who warned before October 7, 2023, that Hamas was preparing for a large-scale surprise attack. Zamir said at the senior command staff conference that V. is an example of intellectual courage and professionalism, emphasizing the need for critical thinking in the IDF.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir awarded a certificate of appreciation to Sgt. Maj. V. from Unit 8200 at the senior command staff conference on the October 7 failure. V. warned before October 7, 2023, that Hamas was prepared for a large-scale surprise attack, but her warnings were dismissed by military officials, including Maj. Gen. (res.) Arieh Amidor. Zamir presented V. as an example of the importance of critical thinking in the IDF, saying: "V. is a clear example of intellectual courage and professionalism. In our organizational culture, we must not allow intimidation, intellectual tyranny, or suppression of critical thinking." At the conference, Zamir also addressed the need to expand the military following lessons from the war, stating that "the size of the IDF is our strategic depth." He announced that 2027 will be defined as "the year of investigating the entire war," which will include lessons from all arenas. Zamir emphasized that the IDF is in a period of tension and alertness, and that the duty is to prevent surprise and prepare for surprise. The recognition of V. comes against the backdrop of previous disregard for her warnings, marking a shift in the military's approach to critical thinking.