Missive from the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi

Missive from the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi during the War on Gaza

IDF commanders and soldiers,

We are in the midst of a war. It will be a long war and we will fight it until the end. We are being proactive and fighting the enemy in their territory, striking them in the very place where they worked on their plans and in the very area the evil terrorists came from.

We are advancing in the stages of the war, and operating on the ground inside the enemy’s territory, supported by precise and heavy fire. The activity will continue and intensify according to the stages of the war and its objectives, as defined by the Israeli government.

So far we have inflicted heavy losses on the enemy and damaged terrorist infrastructure. We search for, find a kill those who participated in the murderous massacre against us and those who sent them. We will  continue to fight the enemy with great force  from the land, air and sea. We will continue to  push   tirelessly and take advantage of every opportunity to bring the hostages home , through both risky overt and covert efforts, as we have already done. War has a heavy and painful price, but it is necessary. We will continue to hit the enemy as much as needed, until civilians in Israel return to a life of security in their homes and their communities.

All of our enemies know that the Israel Defense Forces will pursue anyone who tries to harm the people of Israel and they will pay a heavy price, sooner or later.

We are  fighting in the name of the sanctity of life , against an enemy whose flag represents death and destruction.

We  fight as a powerful military, with a sharp moral compass .

We are  fighting for the values of justice and morality upon which the country was established , against a terrorist organization that committed vile and horrific war crimes.

We are  fighting for our right and the right of future generations to live in safety and prosperity in our homeland .

We fight with the people of Israel behind us. We are fighting the people’s war, the nation’s war and the war for the civilians of Israel. Their spirit beats within us and instills us with hope, a fighting spirit and resolute determination for the future.

I have met many of you in recent weeks. Commanders, soldiers of the ground forces, air force, and navy, in both mandatory and reserve service, in different units, at headquarters and on the home front. I was with you, I saw the preparation and the training, I looked into your eyes and saw that you were ready to fight.

Our spirit is strong. And with this spirit — be sharp, professional in every action, alert to any threat and as prepared as possible for any surprise.  Be warriors!

I tell you with confidence — we will fight with the strength of spirit and determination — we will win, and we will guarantee resurrection and new life.

“For we will not turn back, and there is no other way; there is no people who will deviate from their life’s purpose.” – Nathan Alterman, Zemer Haplugot [song]

The eyes of the nation are on us. Go forward with this strength.