Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, March 9, 2024

IDF Spokesperson's Statement on March 9

Good evening,

With the end of Shabbat, we announced the fall of Major (res.) Amishar Ben David, of blessed memory, a commander in reserves, who fell during combat in Khan Yunis. I send condolences to his family, and all of the IDF embraces them. May his memory be a blessing. At this hour, IDF soldiers continue to engage in combat, kill more terrorists, and destroy more of Hamas' terrorist infrastructure. It is five months since we went to war, since the war began on October 7th. For these five months, IDF soldiers have been fighting in Gaza with determination and courage, bringing about significant achievements on the way to dismantling Hamas, restoring security to our borders, and returning the hostages. Some have paid with their lives. We could not continue and fight without their sacrifice, the sacrifice of the bereaved families and the wounded of the IDF - in body and soul. We salute you this evening.

During the day, the Chief of the General Staff and the Head of the Israel Security Agency approved plans for the continuation of combat in the Southern Command. Alongside the continuation of the war, we are strengthening our security preparedness for the month of Ramadan. Together with the Israel Security Agency and the Israel Police, we are preparing for all operational scenarios and increasing inter-organizational coordination, in all arenas, with the goal of enabling freedom of worship in accordance with security and safety restrictions.

Just before Ramadan, Hamas is preventing an agreement and is acting in contrary to what was raised by the mediators.
Hamas leaders continue to focus on only one thing - their survival and the conditions they themselves receive. According to the intelligence of the Israel Security Agency and the Intelligence Directorate, Hamas is hoarding equipment and food for itself while the people of Gaza struggle to obtain essential supplies.
By refusing to agree to the return of the hostages, Hamas is preventing a humanitarian ceasefire and is continuing to increase the suffering of the people of Gaza.

Following the directive of the Minister of Defense, and together with our partners in the United States and the United States Central Command, we are coordinating the establishment of a temporary floating pier, intended to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza following full Israeli inspection. The mission is clear and in complete coordination between the IDF and the United States Central Command. We will distribute the equipment through international organizations to the population who need this. Alongside this, we will continue to fight and dismantle Hamas' military capabilities.
In Lebanon, we continue to act with the aim of bringing about a security situation in which the residents [of northern Israel] can return to their homes. The challenge is clear, and we are determined.

We will continue to strike Hezbollah's military systems - headquarters, weapons storage facilities, military posts, and any infrastructure that may serve it, and every Hezbollah terrorist that endangers the State of Israel. Today, we struck three targets in southern Lebanon. Alongside this effort, we continue to accelerate our readiness for war, if required. We are prepared to launch a broader operation if ordered.
Five months have passed since the war began, five months that 134 hostages, men and women, are still being held in Gaza. Five months in which it is impossible to return to routine life. Every moment there is unbearable, knowing that they are held in harsh, cruel, and inhumane conditions, obliges the whole world to act. Their return home is a supreme national mission, our moral duty. We will continue to do everything to bring the hostages back home.