The Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, held a situation assessment and conducted a field tour in Rafah in the Gaza Strip today (Friday), together with the Commander of the Southern Command, Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, the Commander of the Gaza Division, Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram, the Commander of Brigade 188, the Commander of Brigade 7, the Commander of the Paratroopers Brigade, the Commander of the Southern Brigade, the Commander of the Yahalom Unit, and additional commanders.
The Chief of Staff toured the Rafah area following the clashes during the past week and instructed to deepen the clearing of the area, with an emphasis on targeting underground infrastructure.
“During the war, we achieved an unprecedented achievement – all of Hamas’s front-line battalions have been destroyed,” stated the Chief of Staff, “Hamas has been militarily defeated and all hostages have returned home.”
“The IDF is positioned along a security border – the ‘red line’, controls the Strip’s crossings, and systematically clears the area of terror infrastructure,” he continued, “We are prepared to transition from defense to offense. We will respond to every violation and neutralize capabilities. We have recently eliminated many terrorists, including senior figures from terror organizations.”
“We are not giving up on the war’s objective – the complete demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the dismantling of Hamas’s weaponry. We are operating according to the directive of the political echelon, and concurrently, we hold military decisive victory plans and are prepared to act offensively as required. We will continue to strengthen the defense of the Western Negev communities.”
“The achievements in all combat arenas are the result of brave fighting and the heroism of IDF soldiers over the past two years,” he added, “You, the soldiers and commanders, deserve all appreciation.”
“There is no immunity for terror. What is true for Gaza is also true for other fronts. We will continue to be focused and cut off threats, with determination and offensive action.”
“Last week, we established Division 38, which will enhance the IDF’s operational capability and ground strength,” said the Chief of Staff, “The war has proven the importance of divisions as the driving force of the IDF’s war machine and as a vital component in achieving decisive victory in a multi-arena and ongoing campaign.”
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