IDF Spokesman: "We are Determined to Dismantle Hamas, but the Road is Long"

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari made a statement to the media this evening (Thursday) in which he referred to today's events in the war in the Gaza Strip and throughout Israel.

"Tonight we mark two months since the beginning of the war, and light the first candle of Hanukkah. The candles were lit tonight by IDF fighters in Gaza and throughout the country," said Hagari. The Hanukkah days are a symbol of our heroism, and these days emphasize the heroism of the soldiers and security forces. Abductees who experienced the inferno fought the terrorists who attacked them, citizens who charged towards terrorists and people who left everything and showed up to defend our home. Our warriors who now fight with valor and courage, with their commanders at their head. We lost the best of our sons in this war, and each of them is a hero of Israel. They paid with their lives for our security. A little light repels a lot of darkness.

"Even at this time, the IDF forces are deepening the fighting in the centers of gravity of Hamas in the south and the north. "We are in a stubborn fight in the entire strip, advancing in the stages of the fight and eliminating terrorists - including high-ranking officials who are hiding underground," he added. "The IDF fighters have interrogated hundreds of terror suspects, and many of them surrender themselves to us. We are determined to dismantle Hamas, but the road is still long."

Hagari also noted that "tonight we announced two reservists who fell in the battles - among them Gal Meir Eizenkot, who fell in the battles in Jabaliya, and Yonatan who fell in Khan Yunis. I send my condolences to the families of Israel's heroes." He also made a personal reference to Gal Eizenkot's death: "I was Gadi Eisenkot's assistant when he was chief of staff, and I knew him personally. He was admirable, and even after he finished and went on with his life, he volunteered for the reserves. He was determined to fight and eliminate the terrorists. May his memory be blessed."