Col. Shlomi Binder, a former commander of the IDF's elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit, has been appointed the next commander of the Golani Brigade. Binder received his new command on Sunday. He replaces Col. Rasan Alian, who was wounded during Operation Protective Edge in 2014. Alian is slated to receive command of the IDF Infantry Corps. GOC Northern Command Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi and Commander of the 36th Armor Division Brig. Gen. Yaakov Banjo attended the ceremony, held at the brigade's memorial site near Golani Junction, in northern Israel. Binder began his military service in Sayeret Matkal, where he rose to the position of deputy commander. He was then appointed commander of Egoz unit, a special forces reconnaissance unit specializing in counter-guerrilla warfare, which at the time was under the Golani Brigade's command. Binder excelled in his role and was subsequently appointed commander of Sayeret Matkal. "Today I accept command of the Golani Brigade. I see it as a great challenge, I am aware of the immense responsibility, and I am committed to doing everything in my power for [Golani] and on behalf of the missions the military gives us," Binder said. Bidding farewell to the brigade, Alian said: "Since 1990, I have lived and breathed Golani, always moved by the brigade's colors and the olive tree [the brigade's symbol], and here today, I stand before you proud and full of emotion, to close a significant chapter for me." Alian also addressed the families of Sgt. Oron Shaul and Lt. Hadar Goldin, who were killed in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge and whose remains are still being held by Hamas. Shaul's father, Herzl Shaul, passed away on Friday following a battle with cancer. "I want to send a strong hug and deep condolences to [Oron Shaul's mother] Zehava and the entire Shaul family in these difficult moments. We will continue to do everything we can to return Sgt. Oron Shaul and Lt. Hadar Goldin," he said. Also on Sunday, Syrian mortar fire hit the Israeli side of the Israel-Syrian border, causing no damage. The IDF returned artillery fire at the source, targeting Syrian army launchers. Military officials said the Syrian fire was likely errant fire as a result of fighting between rebel forces and the Syrian army. "The IDF holds the Syrian regime responsible for events on its soil. We will not tolerate any attempt to undermine Israeli sovereignty or compromise the Israeli public's safety," said a statement by the IDF Spokesperson's Unit.
Golani infantry brigade welcomes new commander
Col. Shlomi Binder, former commander of Sayeret Matkal commando unit, replaces Col. Rasan Alian, now to be IDF Infantry Corps commander • "I am aware of the immense responsibility," Binder says • IDF fires at Syrian targets after errant fire hits border.
