Eyal Zamir
The visit to the community, which has yet to receive government approval, was closed to the media and not announced by the army.
“The mission in Judea and Samaria is clear: to thwart terrorism and defend the communities,” Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told troops.
Former Israeli defense officials say absolute Israeli determination is the key to breaking Hamas and completing the war’s aims.
Hundreds of thousands of residents to be evacuated from the city.
“We are operating according to a new strategic concept—we will not allow threats to grow,” said IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir during a tour of Israel’s northern front.
IDF chief gave his blessing to “the central concept for the plan for the next stages” in the war, the army said.
The Israeli military will “achieve operational control” of Gaza City, “with the hostages at the forefront of our minds,” said IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
The IDF chief said U.S. Gen. Michael Kurilla “significantly advanced Israel’s security,” highlighting joint actions against Iran and its proxies.
The drill is simulating a “sudden, large-scale, complex and multi-front event.”
A reported clash between IDF ground and air force commanders in Gaza highlights a deep cultural and moral divide between those who fight in the air and on the ground.
Former defense officials tell JNS that the real key to Israel’s victory lies in a methodical advance and separating the civilian population from Hamas rule.
A senior official said that while the ministers are expected to support a proposal to occupy Gaza, “things can always change in the Middle East.”
