Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, chairman of IDSF and former IDF School of Engineering commander, spoke to Israel National News - Arutz Sheva about ongoing efforts to clear Hamas tunnels, nearly nine months post-Gaza war onset.
Avivi highlighted, "Hamas's size and strength resemble peak ISIS. At its peak, ISIS fielded 35-40 thousand fighters, less skilled than Hamas but with less infrastructure. They attracted global volunteers and faced a coalition of Americans, Russians, and Europeans who fought for years, leveling cities."
He stressed, "Eliminating this Gaza-spawned threat demands time. Even after the six-week Operation Defensive Shield and city control, the IDF operated for five more years to achieve lasting results. Patience is crucial to prevent Gaza from breeding future threats. We must learn and halt cycles fostering terrorist armies"