By SCM Staff Writer I Sunday, October 05, 2025
GAZA, Palestine – The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, delivered a stern message to troops stationed at the westernmost point of the Netzarim Corridor on Sunday, cautioning that the operation is “not over” and demanding they “remain alert and ready for combat at all times.”
During a field visit that included a surprise exercise simulating an attack on the outpost, LTG Zamir emphasized that the military’s actions are now being translated into political leverage, particularly regarding the release of Israeli hostages.
”If the hostages are released, it will be a significant achievement and fulfillment of a principal war objective – and it is thanks to you,” Zamir told soldiers and commanders, referring to the estimated 48 hostages still held captive. He called their return a “moral, ethical, and national imperative.”
The Chief of Staff clarified the current operational status amid intense international focus on a potential ceasefire and hostage exchange deal.
“There is no ceasefire, but there is a change in the operational status,” Zamir stated. “The political echelon is taking the tools and achievements you have brought through your military actions and translating them into a political achievement. If the political effort does not succeed – we will return to fight.”
He stressed that there is “no uncertainty” in the operational status, but underlined the critical importance of discipline, precision, and adherence to orders, placing the safety of the troops at the forefront.
LTG Zamir’s remarks reiterated the IDF’s commitment to fundamentally altering the security landscape following the October 7th massacres.
“Two years ago we experienced the most traumatic event in our history – we do not intend to return to the days before October 7th,” he said. “We are changing the reality across the Middle East and in all arenas – we will not tolerate threats. We are on the offensive, eliminating enemies in formation, in every arena.”
A key, unmet war objective remains the destruction of Hamas as a governing and military apparatus in Gaza. “If required – we will fight to achieve this,” Zamir pledged. He confirmed that even if a deal is reached, the IDF will maintain “operational control over the forward areas that will allow full operational freedom and the ability to return to any place required.”
During the address, Zamir offered strong praise to the reserve forces, many of whom have been fighting for months. “In the past two years, the State of Israel rediscovered their reservists.
Their values and their capabilities in sustained, multi-front war,” he noted, vowing that the IDF and the State of Israel as a whole would strengthen the reserve troops and “take better care of them.”
Accompanying the Chief of Staff on the visit were several high-ranking officers, including the Commander of Southern Command, MG Yaniv Asor; the Head of the Technological and Logistics Directorate, MG Rami Abudraham; and the commander of the 99th Division, BG Yoav Bruner.
