Statement by the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir Ahead of the New Phase of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots”

Citizens of Israel, IDF soldiers and commanders, in active duty, career service, and reserves: I have just concluded a situational assessment and a field tour with the soldiers and commanders operating in the Gaza Strip as part of Operation "Gideon’s Chariots."

In recent days, the IDF has launched a new phase in the ongoing operations in the Gaza Strip. This is a war we did not choose, but one that was forced upon us on the dark day of October 7th, when Hamas attacked the State of Israel with unprecedented brutality. This was not a military assault — it was a horrifying crime against innocent civilians, an act of terror against the State of Israel and against the Jewish people. Since that terrible day, the IDF has been operating with strength and determination in a multi-front war against enemies whose goal is our destruction. We struck Hamas hard, eliminated its senior commanders, dismantled critical terrorist infrastructure, eliminated thousands of terrorists, and delivered painful blows to our enemies on additional fronts. We have paid a heavy price. We have lost some of our best soldiers — our brothers and sisters in arms — who we will never forget. This is the price this generation bears for the freedom of our entire people. Hamas has been severely weakened, but unfortunately, the war against them has not yet been won.

Several weeks ago, we resumed our operation in the Gaza Strip with the goal of creating better conditions for the return of our hostages, striking Hamas, and decisively defeating it in the areas where we operated. During the operation, we eliminated hundreds of terrorists, split the Gaza Strip, established operational control of the Morag Corridor, cleared terror from the Rafah area, and expanded the buffer zone — thereby strengthening the defense of our communities. We are operating according to a predetermined plan and are now moving into the next stage. Hamas will pay the price for its refusal. It will face the full force of our firepower. We will expand our operation, establish operational control of additional territory, clear and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure — until Hamas is decisively defeated. We are acting in self-defense — and in order to defend ourselves, we must strike. We cannot defend ourselves unless we remove the threat clearly and decisively from the other side of the border.

Our goals are clear: the return of the hostages to their homes, the decisive defeat of Hamas, and the dismantling of its regime.

I am fully aware of the concern and anguish experienced by the families of the hostages, and of the questions raised by the combination of these objectives. It is a complex challenge, but we possess the tools, wisdom, and responsibility to meet it. I, along with every soldier in the IDF, will continue to act tirelessly until all our hostages are brought home.

If there is an agreement – the IDF will know how to adjust its operations accordingly.

I wish to address the residents of Gaza: We are not the ones who brought this destruction upon you. We are not the ones who started this war. We are not the ones who have deprived you of food, shelter, and money. We do not hide in hospitals or schools. We do not live in luxury hotels while you live in hardship. This is your leadership — the ones holding our hostages. Hamas is responsible for starting the war. It is responsible for the difficult situation of the civilian population — it brought destruction, and it will not be the one to rebuild.

The IDF operates at all times in accordance with IDF values, Israeli law, and international law, while maintaining an uncompromising commitment to the security of the State of Israel and its civilians. Any statement that casts doubt on the integrity of our actions or the morality of our soldiers is baseless.

Our highest moral and ethical duty is to protect our civilians — to protect Nir Oz, Nahal Oz, Sderot, and Ofakim — against an immoral enemy, among the most brutal in human history.

The commanders of the IDF are the ones leading the finest of our soldiers — men and women alike. My trust in them is absolute, and not only mine, but that of an entire nation. They are the face of the IDF in these moments, and time and again, they prove that it is possible to lead with a sense of mission, with courage, determination, and in accordance with the values of the IDF."

I want to thank the reservists, who return to service time and again. I meet you at every opportunity and see the hardship, I understand the price you and your families are paying. The entire nation appreciates you — you are the backbone of our national resilience."

We are in a long, multi-front war — one we did not choose. We are facing a complex and difficult period, but a better time will come at its end. I will lead this campaign based on one consideration only: the security of the State of Israel and the protection of our civilians. I appeal to everyone: now is the time to support and unite around the IDF soldiers, in order to achieve the goals of the war. Together we will fight. Together we will prevail. Our actions will speak for themselves."

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