IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot sent a forceful message to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Monday during the Chief of Staff Prize of Excellence ceremony.
Certificates of merit were presented at the ceremony to the winning military units in various categories, including: brigades, battalions, reserve units, training units, combat support units and technology units.
"The importance of integration and unity within the IDF is reinforced these days, when we stand before a complex security reality," Eizenkot asserted.
"Our soldiers are faced with murderous terror every day, and they stand against it bravely, calmly and firmly without compromise," he continued. "Even beyond our borders, in the face of the threats emanating from the north, we stand ready for any challenge."
"As we have proven in the past, we know how to find and hit those who seek our destruction."
Responding to threats issued by Nasrallah against the Jewish state in the wake of the assassination of arch-terrorist Samir Kuntar, Eizenkot stressed that "our enemies know if they try to undermine the security of Israel - they face serious consequences."
"To ensure the strength of the IDF in any confrontation that may come before us, we stand with our preparedness and competence as first priority, as do the the best of the units that stand here today. We will change and evolve so the IDF can meet the challenges of the future."
"This is your mission, outstanding [soldiers], to lead those serving around you to excellence, action and contribution. Provide them with an example of professionalism and perserverance, continue of the path you've tread so far - and they will follow," Eizenkot concluded.