41 officers completed the prestigious course — one was missing on the parade ground
After a long and grueling path, the first class of the special "Erez" program for training high-quality commanders for the Ground Forces concluded last Thursday. Among its graduates, Second Lieutenant Itay Yavetz, who fell in the battles in Rafah in October 2025, was sorely missed. The program commander: "I am full of pride and hope."
After three and a half years of studies and training, 41 excited officers stood on the parade ground at the Golani training base last weekend, marking the first class of the "Erez" program. The goal of the program is to train high-quality commanders for the Ground Forces. Every officer received training in engineering, armor, infantry, and artillery, based on the understanding that modern combat requires a combined approach. As one graduate defined it, the program aims to "strengthen the fist."
However, someone was missing on the parade ground: Second Lieutenant Itay Yavetz. In October 2025, 21-year-old Itay, a resident of Modiin and a fighter in the 932nd Battalion of the Nahal Brigade, fell during a ceasefire when terrorists fired anti-tank missiles at his unit. Major Yaniv Kola and Sergeant Major (res.) Asael Babad also fell alongside him.
A coffee kit in his memory
His parents, Avishai and Ayala, handed out coffee kits to the young officers in his memory, along with a letter he had written: "Today, more than ever, I understand the importance of the path I chose. The thought of being significant for other people has always led me. I want to be attentive to the needs of my subordinates, to be a professional, someone people aspire to imitate, to learn from mistakes, and to admit them. To be principled, dedicated, and sensitive, so that they believe in me and rely on me."
His parents describe him as a charming, ambitious young man with a deep love for his country. "He wanted to reach the furthest in the army; he joked that he wanted to be Chief of Staff. When he signed a 7-year contract, we asked if he was sure. He answered decisively: 'If not me, then who?'" his mother recalls.
Between commando and university
Itay's friends, Staff Sergeant A. and N., describe the combination of commando training and undergraduate studies at Tel Aviv University. "Long-term training produces officers who arrive at service at a much more mature stage. At Bahad 1 (Officer School), there is no time for an in-depth course on command and control or military history, but this additional knowledge is ultimately expressed in combat," explains N.
The program lasts 3.5 years, followed by a 4-year commitment to permanent service. "From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a commander. It is a great privilege to serve the country, especially in the current situation," says A.
"A loss that became an engine"
According to the program commander, Brig. Gen. (res.) Yuval Bezek, "Erez" was born from the belief that the IDF command echelon should be based on the best people. "The paradigm that commanders should only grow from the ranks has changed. The Erez program offers an option to choose command already at the induction center. The standard is very high: academically and militarily. When I look at the trainees, I am optimistic," says Bezek.
The program is named after Erez Gershtein. Bezek, who lost his son Guy in the Iron Swords War, admits: "From that moment, this program also became a testament. I took the loss and turned it into an engine."
