Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 23rd, 20:15

*IDF Spokesperson's Statement | 23.12*

Good week. During the weekend, we expanded ground operations in the southern and northern parts of the Gaza Strip. Our forces are engaging in complex combat as they enter new Hamas strongholds. Today, I toured in Khan Yunis with the Chief of General Staff, where we met with the soldiers of the 98th Division and of the Givati Brigade. In this meeting, the soldiers discussed their field operations, the challenges, and the pace of progress with the Chief of the General Staff, and I would like to explain ground operations to you.

Our soldiers engage in complex combat in densely populated areas such as Khan Yunis. We locate terrorist infrastructure, especially underground, and therefore have significantly increased engineering forces there. The 98th Division, comprising a larger unit than usual, will see a further expansion of its capabilities in the upcoming days. Our underground operations have resulted in numerous terrorists, some emerging above ground with RPGs and planting explosives. When we engage them, we neutralize them. The terrorists exploit civilian spaces for their purposes, and we respond by targeting them also in these areas. While the Air Force conducts extensive airstrikes and supports ground troops, certain targets cannot be destroyed from the air. We recently showed an example of extensive underground infrastructures that were discovered in the northern Gaza Strip. After days of thorough work by our forces, we successfully destroyed these facilities and seized them from Hamas. Similar operations are ongoing in the southern Khan Yunis area. It's a time-consuming process, but we remain determined to do it. The ground operations allow us to thoroughly destroy weapons and underground infrastructure. So far, our forces have destroyed and seized approximately 30,000 explosive devices, including anti-tank missiles and rockets that were in Hamas’ possession. There is an immense amount of weaponry in Gaza, some as happened today, are found in schools. During our current operation in the Daraj-Tufah, we scanned schools and found weapons, including a significant amount of rockets and equipment belonging to Hamas's naval commando unit. We seize the weapons, neutralizing Hamas' terrorism capabilities.

Many terrorists surrender during this operation. We detain and interrogate them, obtaining valuable intelligence about additional targets. Through this intelligence, we adjust our ground operations and achieve better results. Our soldiers courageously fight against Hamas terrorists in tough battles, and sadly, we have casualties. Many terrorists are killed daily, and it's part of the harsh reality of war against a cruel enemy embedded within civilian population. There are many terrorists killed on every day of fighting, it needs to be said, it's part of the war, it's a tough war against a cruel enemy who is embedded in the ground above and especially below and also within a civilian population. We strike Hamas but it is a long and difficult operation that will continue for some more time. During today's visit by the Chief of General Staff to the field, with the Commander of the Southern Command, we continue to learn real-time lessons from the ground operations. As is done daily, we adapt and improve our strategies according to our specific missions, aiming for better results and enhanced security for our forces in the area. This daily process involves refining ground operations to achieve greater effectiveness and minimize harm to our forces.

This evening we announced the five IDF soldiers fallen in battles for the defense of Israel. They fought with courage and determination to secure the safety of Israel and for the return of the hostages. I want to express condolences to all the bereaved families, we are with you in your difficult hour. This war has a heavy price, and ground operations are necessary to achieve its goals. The military pressure coincides with the effort to return the hostages, we are determined to return the hostages and engaged in the effort.

In the north, on the last day, we attacked Hezbollah targets including operational infrastructures, terrorist infrastructures, and a military compound. We continue to attack in Lebanon and we deny Hezbollah's capabilities, especially near the border. The forces of the Northern Command are on very high alert and respond forcefully against Hezbollah's terrorist operations.

On the Home Front, we must continue to follow protocol. I know that maintaining readiness over an extended period can be challenging. The public's proper conduct has prevented many civilian casualties. We must continue and do so, only then can we ensure our security and that of our loved ones.

There is stormy winter weather, the citizens of Israel feel it and so do our soldiers on the borders and inside Gaza. We provide them with warm equipment, ensuring they have ​​all that is needed. Even in this stormy weather, our soldiers fight with courage and determination for the security of the State of Israel.