General Staff welcomes Maj.-Gen. Amir Eshel as new Air Force commander. IDF Chief Gantz: Israel has the best air force in the world

Maj.-Gen. Amir Eshel officially took office as Israel´s new Air Force commander Thursday. Eshel will replace Major-General Ido Nehushtan, who is retiring from IDF service after 37 years.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen Benny Gantz thanked Nehushtan for his service and welcomed Eshel into office: "We have the best air force in the world. It shoulders a strategic and significant responsibility," he said.

The IAF chiefs´ rotation ceremony was held at the IDF´s Rabin Base – the Kirya – in Tel Aviv, with Defense Minister Ehud Barak in attendance.

"The Air Force serves as Israel´s chief deterrence force and its main tactical arm," Barak said.

"The IAF is constantly vigilant, 365 days a year, nationwide and across the globe, with one goal in mind – Israel´s security," outgoing IAF Chief Nehushtan said. He further wished Eshel luck in his new post, adding that he had "every faith that he can lead the IAF vis-à-vis any future challenge."

"Commander Nehushtan is leaving us with a powerful, quality air force, which is facing significant challenges. We are ready for whatever mission we me be called for,," Eshel stated. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 05/10/12)