The 'Defender of the Land' ceremony was held at the fire station in the presence of the Minister of National Security MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Commissioner of the Israel Fire and Rescue Service, Chief of Staff Eyal Caspi, Deputy Commissioner of Staff Ronen Mekhtaev, the senior command staff, officers, fighters and volunteers.
During the ceremony, a variety of vehicles and means were presented that will enable a life-saving, rapid and professional response throughout the country.
The new vehicles purchased thanks to the reinforcement budget led by the Minister of National Security are adapted to the challenges and reference scenarios and include some of the most advanced rescue vehicles in the world, fire trucks adapted for open areas, and small fire trucks adapted for dense urban areas.
The 'Fire Chariots' project was led by the Minister of National Security, and as part of it, 180 rapid response tractors and a firefighting vehicle were purchased that will allow the Fire Commissioner to obtain a situational picture of complex incidents and manage incidents in the field and up close.
The process of characterizing the equipment was carried out thanks to the fundamental activities of the Resources Committee, led by the Deputy Commissioner. The committee includes commanders, firefighters, staff and field personnel.
Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir: "Strengthening the fire department is a critical component of the national security of the State of Israel. Acquiring vehicles for operational activity is an expression of our commitment to equipping firefighters with the most advanced equipment in the world.".
""We continue to invest tremendous resources in technology to ensure that every firefighter who goes on a mission returns home safely.""
Fire and Rescue Commissioner for Israel, Lt. Col. Eyal Caspi: "First, I would like to express deep appreciation to the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, for his firm stance and determined struggle to obtain the necessary budgets for the fire department. Thanks to these resources and the backing of the minister, we are today able to implement an unprecedented reinforcement plan, which we have directed with the utmost precision to equip ourselves with operational means that have one purpose - saving lives.
This is our moral and professional duty: to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens and strengthen the national resilience of the Israeli home front.
"Today's ceremony is a holiday for the fire and rescue system. We have developed capabilities here that are an example and a model for emulation among emergency agencies throughout the world. The new equipment and technologies that have come into use are a significant force multiplier that will give firefighters the best tools for their sacred mission. Faced with the complex threats and challenges facing us, the fire department is prepared, ready and determined - wherever and whenever the State of Israel needs us, we are there.""
The new reinforcement vehicles are expected to be integrated into ongoing operational activities in all districts in the immediate term.
