The Israel Defense Forces is nearing completion of its objectives for the current phase of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots” against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and will soon present its proposed next steps to the political leadership, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Efie Defrin said on Thursday night.
“Since the beginning of ‘Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots,’ we have severed Hamas’s control over wide areas of the Gaza Strip and undermined its governance. We are systematically and thoroughly dismantling the terrorist infrastructure, while maintaining a firm and stable hold on the ground,” said Defrin.
“We are achieving long-term strategic gains and preventing Hamas from rebuilding its centers of power,” he added.
Five brigades are pressing forward with determination against Hamas battalions, Defrin said.
The 98th Division has joined the fighting in northern Gaza, operating on the outskirts of Gaza City, including the Shejaiya and Zeitoun neighborhoods. The 162nd Division is engaged in battles in the Jabalia area, while the 143rd Division continues to secure the Rafah sector. The 36th Division remains active in the Khan Yunis region, and the 99th Reserve Division began operations in northern Gaza last week.
“Hamas’s governing control in the Gaza Strip is steadily eroding,” said Defrin. “We have cumulatively achieved the elimination of dozens of Hamas commanders and senior operatives, from the field level to brigade commanders and leadership.
“We have achieved significant progress, but there are still missions ahead,” he continued. “At every stage—every action, every decision—the goals of the war remain clear, chief among them the return of the hostages. This is the paramount mission, one that every soldier and commander in the Gaza Strip, and beyond, carries with him.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz visited Rafah on Wednesday, accompanied by OC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor and Gaza Division commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram.
Katz praised the dedication and resolve of the commanders and soldiers, describing them as heroic and emphasizing their unwavering commitment to defending Israel. “There is no other army like this in the world,” he said, calling on the public to embrace the troops and take pride in their efforts.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli Air Force eliminated a terrorist cell shortly after it fired rockets from the northern Gaza Strip toward the border communities of Sderot and Ibim. The two projectiles were intercepted, and there were no reports of injuries or damage.
In southern Gaza, IDF troops confiscated weapons in the Khan Yunis area, and in the Rafah area troops dismantled dozens of terrorist infrastructure sites and seized weapons.
Meanwhile, the IAF struck 150 targets throughout Gaza, including terrorists, underground routes, “military” structures, weapons, sniper posts and additional terrorist infrastructure sites.
