Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, October 13th 19:00

Good Evening, 

In regards to the current operational situation, we are on the seventh day of the war and will continue to maintain high readiness in all arenas—southern, central and northern.

The IDF continues to operate in Gazan territory, on the ground, in the air and at sea. During a wave of aerial strikes, precisely synchronized IAF aircraft targeted 12 multi-story buildings in Gaza in one single minute. Additionally, tens of IAF aircraft are flying above Gaza at all times, locating enemies and neutralizing them.

During the day, a number of rocket launchers were located and immediately struck upon activation (as they began to launch).

Over the past 24 hours, the IDF has conducted operational activities in Gazan territory. These activities are part of our overall effort to clear the area surrounding Gaza of terrorists. As part of these activities, armored and infantry forces thwarted terrorist squads who were firing anti-tank missiles into Israeli territory. The forces scanned the area and located findings that may be able to assist in the effort to locate missing persons.

We continue to extensively deploy forces along the entire northern border and are vigilant and on high alert.

Over the past few hours, a number of incidents have taken place in the northern arena. These include anti-tank missile fire toward the security fence in the area of Hanita, shooting in the area of Misgav Am, and an apparent interception of an enemy UAV at the Lebanon border. These have been sporadic incidents. The IDF responded with artillery fire toward the origins of the fire, which were Hezbollah terrorist targets in the area of southern Lebanon. No IDF injuries have been reported. We continue to respond to every single attack in an immediate and severe manner.

The Aerial Defense Array is operating successfully but not hermetically. Follow the instructions of the Home Front Command—they are lifesaving.

IDF forces are operating extensively in the area of the Central Command; we are conducting both defense and operational activities. Over the past 48 hours, IDF soldiers have arrested 134 Hamas operatives throughout the area of Judea and Samaria and in the Jordan Valley. A mere few thousands have participated in riots in the region today. Our forces are strongly deployed as we face the possibility of the riots escalating. We are strongly deployed in all arenas. We continue to prepare for the next stages of the war that are approaching while planning ahead, preparing the forces and equipping them appropriately.

We have notified the families of 265 fallen soldiers regarding the loss of their loved ones. The people who were dearest to them—the personnel of Israel’s security establishments and civilians, who fell and were murdered while defending their country.

We have also notified the families of 120 hostages. I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling. This Friday evening, many of you are feeling the weight of this national tragedy, the uncertainty and great pain for those who are not with us.

Know this—hundreds of thousands of soldiers are deployed along Israel’s borders. Commanders, combat-support soldiers, women and men, reservists and active duty, soldiers of the Armored Corps, pilots, and naval soldiers. Some of them are fighting in the field right now, some are standing guard in IDF posts, some are taking off to strike additional targets in Gaza. Operating alongside them, shoulder to shoulder, are the personnel of Israel’s security establishments, the ISA, Israel Police, MDA, Israel Fire and Rescue Services.

They are all working together toward one goal.

Disaster struck. We are making every effort with a sense of mission and care of a society that is required to be strong during a difficult time. We have no choice but to fight. This is our country, our identity; we know what we are fighting for and who we are fighting for.