Chief of Staff: "The IDF is ready today to continue fighting"

Herzi Halevi, Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (Photo: Yonatan Zindel, Flash90.)

On the fifth day of the ceasefire Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, during his visit to the north, referred to the continuation of the fighting in the various sectors: "We are preparing for the continuation of the fighting to dismantle Hamas. It will take time, these are complex goals, but none of them are justified. Together we will ensure that the residents of the north return to a different, better, and more stable security reality."

The Chief of Staff's full words: "Seventy-six abductees and hostages have so far been returned to their homes. Children, girls, women and civilians, soldiers, who were kidnapped by Hamas, a cruel, merciless terrorist organization, and not all of them are here yet. Anyone who returns is a great relief, but there is no relief in the fact that there are fewer left. We will work to return them all.

"The return of the captives is a bright spot for all of us. It is also further evidence of the results of significant military pressure and high-quality ground maneuvering, we created the conditions for the return of our citizens home. We will continue to do so. The IDF is ready today to continue fighting. We use the days of respite as part of the outline for learning, strengthening readiness, and approving the operational plans for the continuation."

"We are preparing for the continuation of the fighting"

"In the last few days, I met commanders and fighters who came from the Gaza Strip, after fighting with courage, determination, and daring. I told them, 'You have brought many achievements, thanks to you, abductees are returning home, and we have many more challenges ahead. I heard from them an equally important answer: 'We want to fight until we bring home the last of the hostages.' This is what we are doing! We are preparing to continue fighting to dismantle Hamas. It will take time, these are complex goals, but they are not justified."

"Today we are in the north of the country, and from here I want to address the residents of the north, the residents of the north have been evacuated from their homes for some time. I know how difficult the situation is, I know how uncomfortable the situation is, and above all shrouded in uncertainty. Earlier this morning, I met the heads of the authorities in the north, I was very impressed by their leadership in this complex period. Together we will ensure that the residents of the north return to a different, better, and more stable security reality"

Attacks in Lebanon, archive. (Photo: Eyal Margolin, Flash90.)

"The IDF launched a maneuver in Gaza, a very dense and complex area, in order to achieve a worthy and necessary goal. We will know, if necessary, to activate all these strengths in the north as well, in order to safely return you, residents of the north, to the settlements, the cities, and the region of this beautiful and so important country. In the last few weeks, I have met our dear reservists in the north, in the center, in the south, and also inside the Gaza Strip. Almost eight weeks, since they left their lives at once, and came to protect the home, to protect the country. It deserves deep public appreciation."

"I have yet to meet a commander without a sense of heavy responsibility"

Personally, as a citizen and as a commander, I really, really appreciate it. The readiness, the seriousness, and the extensive experience that the reserve men bring with them. I send thanks, great appreciation, and encouragement to the dear families of our reservists - full partners in the effort to protect the home. And I know the price is not simple. In the last few days, there has been a discourse about the conduct of the IDF and the Intelligence Division prior to the October 7th events. In view of the dire results, the interest in this is self-evident. We will be held accountable. We will listen carefully to each and every one of our subordinates, and learn both what they thought and what they said.

"The IDF, including the Intelligence Division, failed in the October 7th events. There will be incisive and deep investigations, but now we must focus on fighting. The commanders of the IDF and in particular the personnel of the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Southern Command are currently busy fighting. Military Intelligence Directorate personnel work day and night to accompany the IDF soldiers in the fighting in Gaza, to warn them and mark the enemy to them. I must say they do it with distinction. They also work in front of the important intelligence missions about the abductees. Their actions have already led to successes that are too early to talk about, and the task, as we all know, is not yet complete."

The moment the hostages were transferred last night (Use according to section 27a)

"It is not true that the commanders of the IDF are now busy discussing responsibility for one or the other. I need them working together in the face of the many and complex tasks before them. I have not yet met a single commander in the IDF since the beginning of this war, in whom I did not see a heavy sense of responsibility. Right now everything is dedicated for fighting. We will not stop until we restore security to the State of Israel."