Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari December 30th, 20:15

[Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari]:

Good evening,

Today, we completed a widespread attack on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, focusing on the village of Kafr Kila, where we eliminated three terrorist cells. We continue to strike and damage Hezbollah's military positions in southern Lebanon. The southern region of Lebanon will not return to what it used to be. Throughout the day, several launches from Lebanon to Israel were identified, with many of Hezbollah's launches falling in Lebanese territory. Yesterday, 80% of Hezbollah's rockets fell in Lebanese territory. Nasrallah is harming the state of Lebanon, jeopardizing its future for his friends in Hamas and for his Iranian patrons.

I urge the public to continue to act responsibly and adhere to the updated instructions of the Home Front Command. Your demonstrated responsibility is commendable, allowing us to continue the long and determined fight.

Hamas and its leaders think in terms of "Tsumud," which in Arabic means to hold firm, in other words, they believe that IDF forces will soon leave the Gaza Strip. We are determined and intend to continue to apply military pressure and to dismantle Hamas. The test will be in actions, not words.
In the northern Gaza Strip, we are focusing efforts in the area of Darj Tufah, Hamas's last significant stronghold in the northern Gaza Strip. In central Gaza we are operating in the “Central Camps”. In Southern Gaza, we are fighting in the area of Khirbet Khuza’a, which was responsible for the massacre in Nir Oz, and in Khan Yunis.

During the ground operation in Khan Yunis, IDF forces today raided the Hamas headquarters in the heart of the city, including the organization's intelligence command center.

A few days ago, I met with Ori Megidish, whom we rescued from captivity about two months ago in a joint special and complex operation with the ISA. Ori, who served as an Intelligence Observer in Nahal Oz, is a true heroine. Her mental strength is an inspiration to us all.

Ori had two requests: that the IDF and the ISA continue to do everything operationally and intelligence-wise to bring the hostages home. She also asked to convey a message to the world, and tonight I wish to present her words:

[Ori Megidish]:

You will be celebrating New Year's Eve very soon.
Meanwhile, my friends are still in Gaza. My name is Ori Megidish, and I was held hostage by Hamas in Gaza and was rescued by the IDF and the ISA two months ago.

Hamas kidnapped me on October 7th from Nahal Oz base. They kidnapped us, some of us were only wearing pajamas.
They murdered my closest friends and many others.

I was there for 23 days, which felt like years. My friends are still there, held among women, children, sick people and the elderly. While their family members are all awaiting their return.

Despite my pain, loneliness and fear, while I was there, I had hope I’d be rescued. I pray that my friends who are still being held hostage have the same hope.

We must do everything we can do to free our hostages.

[Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari]:

The hostages are being held in violation of every aspect of international law, denied basic rights such as medical care. The return of the children, women, men, and elderly from this cruel captivity is not only a national duty but a global moral obligation. We will continue to do everything and to make every effort to bring them home.
Have a good week.