IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi conducted an initial inquiry earlier today (Tuesday) together with Gaza Division commander Brig.-Gen. Avi Rosenfeld and Southern Brigade Commander, Col. Tal Ashur, at the site where 21 IDF soldiers fell.
Halevi then gave a speech at the site of the explosion:
The State of Israel awoke this morning to a difficult and painful announcement: 21 killed. The best sons of this country, who volunteered to defend home and paid the dearest price. We share in the sorrow of the families for their heavy loss, and know that the pain is unbearable.
If there is consolation, I would like that the families should know – they fell in battle near the border fence, during a defensive activity in the area dividing the Israeli settlements and Gaza. This is a mission whose whole purpose is to create the security conditions for the return of the residents of the Gaza Perimeter to return to their homes safely. This is why we went to war, which began with a cruel attempt to stop life and we are more determined than even to return life here, more than before.
I have now returned from the point where the soldiers fell and met the commanders. I heard initial insights, first lessons. We, as always, will investigate the event in depth and learn the lessons while fighting, so that this incident does not repeat.
We feel pain today at the loss of 21 soldiers – all dear reservists worthy of enormous respect and appreciation from the entire state, for their endless volunteering, determination, and readiness. They began their service together, in the Givati Brigade, and continued to do so in the reserves. They come from all parts of Israeli society and throughout the State of Israel – they are a model group and an example for all of us. We have none dearer. We will bow our head but stand up straight towards the continuation of the fighting and the defense of our home. We are still fighting.
The fighting will be long and many challenges await us. We are refreshing forces and changing methods of conduct, knowing that we will once again need the reservists after they rest. We are attentive to all the reservists, embracing and appreciating them all. Given the supreme mission, we remain united – for the security of the citizens of the State of Israel.
On this difficult day, it’s important to say: we have been fighting for 108 days and have not forgotten October 7, we do not forget why we went to war. In the last day, we have expanded the fighting in Khan Yunis, accumulating additional achievements, and continue to fight in the northern Strip and are deepening the achievement. We are eliminating and hitting many terrorists, many commanders – Hamas murderers whom we will continue to operate against with great determination.
On this day, we feel the great and painful cost of war, but the one we are fighting now is incomparably necessary and just. We will continue to fight for our clear right to live here in security.
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