Col. Guy Madar has assumed command of the Yoav Brigade, replacing Col. A., who served in the position for the past two years and is concluding his military service.
The change-of-command ceremony was held yesterday (Sunday) at Camp Uzia, presided over by Southern Command Commander Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor and Edom Division (80) Commander Brig. Gen. Yisrael Friedler.
On the morning of October 7, 2023, Madar was staying with his wife’s family in Kiryat Gat. When the attack began, he set out in civilian clothes toward the Re’im area, carrying his personal handgun. Along the way, he evacuated a wounded Golani soldier, continued to the fighting near the Sa’ad Junction and later joined Ran Gvili, with the two operating together in the area.
At a gas station near the Sa’ad Junction, Madar and Gvili helped treat the wounded and directed civilians fleeing the Nova music festival, thereby helping save the lives of more than 150 people. They later fought in the area of Kibbutz Alumim, where their vehicle came under heavy fire, including an RPG attack. Madar was wounded in the ankle, while Gvili was seriously wounded.
Madar remained wounded in the field for approximately two and a half hours. When an IDF force arrived at the scene, he was nearly mistakenly shot after being suspected of being a terrorist. He was identified by the tzitzit he was wearing and evacuated in serious condition to Beilinson Hospital, where he underwent surgery and rehabilitation before eventually returning to military service.
In September 2026, Madar was promoted to the rank of colonel by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and appointed commander of the Yoav Brigade.
At the change-of-command ceremony, he said, “I stand here before you with reverence and a profound sense of mission, and proudly and with great responsibility accept command of the Yoav Brigade."
In his speech, Madar also addressed the brigade’s name and the significance he attaches to it, from the Biblical figure Yoav son of Zeruiah to Operation Yoav. He then thanked outgoing brigade commander A., saying, “I am taking command of a strong and well-trained brigade. Thank you for a thorough and professional handover process."
Madar also addressed his wife and children, thanking them for their support throughout his military service, particularly following his injury.
“Thank you for following me into the wilderness time and again, even when you nearly lost me, and for your nobility in being a full partner in this immensely important mission of defending the country," he told his wife.
Madar devoted the second part of his speech to what he described as an “oath" upon assuming his new position.
“Our mission is clear! To be prepared for every scenario! To win every encounter with the enemy! And to ensure that the residents of this sector can continue to live here safely and with a high quality of life, and to help this region flourish more and more," he declared.
Madar pledged to his commanders, the brigade’s active-duty and reserve personnel, and the residents of the sector that he would devote himself to defending the area.
“To dedicate all my strength, and even sacrifice my life, to defending this sector and this beautiful part of our country," he said.