IDF Chief of Staff in Gaza: "The Only Thing That Will Stop Us Is the Release of the Hostages"

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Shin Bet Head Ronen Bar conducted a field tour and situation assessment today (Wednesday) in the Tel Sultan area in northern Gaza Strip. During the tour, they were joined by the Southern Command Commander, Major General Yaniv Ashur, Gaza Division Commander, Brigadier General Barak Hiram, 36th Division Commander, Brigadier General Moran Omer, and additional commanders.

During the visit, the commanders presented to the two the operational deployment and the defense and attack plans for continuation. "IDF forces led by the Southern Command are expanding the attack in Operation 'Strength and Sword,' which will continue and deepen at the determined pace," said Zamir. "We will maintain ambiguity and fog of war, and will not reveal our actions – the field will speak."

"The only thing that can stop us from continuing our advance is the release of our hostages. Their release will allow our forces to return to the starting positions and will continue the negotiation process," he clarified. "I highly appreciate the inter-organizational cooperation that is becoming more sophisticated, and great appreciation to the Shin Bet head and his team for the ongoing activity during the war."

Regarding recent events, the Chief of Staff noted that today an investigation into the "Nova" party was presented, saying "the findings sharpen the IDF's responsibility and require the army to learn lessons. The IDF bows its head before the families, the hostages, and the murdered," he said. "This event illustrates the magnitude of the responsibility placed on us to improve and learn lessons."

The Shin Bet Head, Ronen Bar, also addressed the situation in Gaza: "The targeted eliminations in the Gaza Strip, which began with the opening strike two weeks ago, will continue to intensify. There is a direct connection between them and the elimination in Beirut. We are countering terrorism through offensive actions, and Hamas will encounter eliminations wherever it operates against Israeli citizens. The purpose of all the maneuvering and advancement on the ground is to make it clear to Hamas that it will continue to pay prices as long as our 59 hostages are not returned."