By SCM Staff Writer
JERUSALEM — The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, declared on Tuesday that the ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip is making tangible progress, bringing the IDF closer to meeting its core war objectives, which he affirmed as the return of the hostages and the decisive defeat of Hamas.
LTG Zamir made the remarks during a field tour in Gaza where he held an operational situational assessment and spoke with commanders and troops operating in the area.
”The war continues. The bravery of our soldiers and commanders across all arenas, and in Gaza in particular, is leading to new opportunities and bringing us closer to meeting the war’s objectives,” the Chief of Staff stated. He specifically defined the goals as: “the return of the hostages, the decisive defeat of Hamas, and the intensification of strikes against its capabilities.”
The high-level tour included the Commander of the Southern Command, MG Yaniv Asor; the Military Advocate General, MG Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi; and the Commander of the 162nd Division, BG Sagiv Dahan, along with brigade commanders. LTG Zamir specifically praised the troops’ performance in Operation “Gideon’s Chariots II.”
The IDF Chief characterized the current moment as a “unique reality, in a period of historic war and at a consequential crossroads.”
He urged the forces to maintain “ironclad focus and patience as the war’s next developments unfold,” emphasizing the need to “continue to excel in military action and lead with professionalism.”
Regarding future action, LTG Zamir instructed commanders on the framework for combat in the coming days, stressing the need to “continue intense operations” and “maintain a strong defensive support for the troops, alongside increasing vigilance, preparedness and readiness.”
He stressed that all activities are being carried out “responsibly and professionally in conjunction with the objectives of the war.”
Providing context for the military’s diligence, the Chief of Staff revealed his personal involvement in the inquiries into the October 7th massacres, issuing a direct caution: “one must not underestimate the enemy.”
He assured the forces on the ground that the entire military establishment is committed to their success, stating: “As a rule, I direct that all of the IDF’s capabilities be harnessed and committed for the sake of the troops on the ground. All directorates and service branches are doing everything to ensure you do not lack anything.”
Crucially, the Chief of Staff also addressed the civil-military relationship, promising that the IDF “will provide the political echelon with flexibility for any decision in conducting the campaign.”
.
