Today, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, LTG Herzi Halevi, conducted an evaluation of the situation and toured the Rafah region within the Gaza Strip. He was joined by several top officers, including the Southern Command’s leader, MG Yaron Finkelman; the Gaza Division commander, BG Barak Hiram; the Nahal Brigade commander, COL Yair Zuckerman; and other key senior officers.
Speaking to the soldiers in Rafah, Halevi stated, “We are dismantling Hamas and targeting its infrastructure and forces so that there will never be another October 7th. We are exerting pressure on Hamas daily, driving it into greater distress, to ensure the return of the 100 hostages—hopefully alive—and for those who are not, to provide them a proper burial in Israel. Our goal is also to return Israeli residents to their homes.”
“I tell you this: the Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip are coming back to life,” Halevi remarked. “Residents are returning, and as they do, our responsibility grows even greater—not less. It is our duty to provide a much stronger security framework so they can feel safe and secure here.”
“You are contributing to the fight against Hamas, the return of the hostages, and the revival of these communities. Knowing this gives me the boundless strength to keep going, and I believe this is a shared mission for every soldier in the IDF—both active and reserve. Keep doing your incredible work. Thank you,” Halevi concluded his remarks.
{Matzav.com}
