The IDF’s chief spokesman, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, spoke to reporters Friday after troops repositioned along the so-called “yellow line” as part of the operational phase tied to ending the Gaza war. He framed the move as a pivotal moment for both the nation and the soldiers who carried the fight over the past two years.
“This is an exciting moment for the people of Israel and for the fighters and soldiers of the IDF who fought and worked over the past two years with bravery, fortitude, and a sense of mission and dedication,” he stated.
Defrin stressed that the army will not accept lingering security threats and vowed strict, measured action to protect border communities. “IDF soldiers will act to remove any threat to their security – risks will not be taken. We will do everything necessary to defend the western Negev and southern Israel.”
Recalling the trauma of the October 7 attacks, the spokesman said the IDF’s campaign has been relentless and remains committed to shielding civilians. “On the morning of October 7th, two years ago, the most important contract with the citizens of Israel was desecrated. Since then, led by the Southern Command, we haven’t stopped for a moment, and that’s what we’ll always do. A brave generation of heroes and heroines of Israel stands strong as a buffer between the citizens of Israel and any enemy.”
Honoring the fallen, Defrin cited the operation’s heavy toll while affirming that the return of hostages is underway and defense efforts continue. “We remember the campaign’s 914 fallen who fought heroically, thanks to them and thanks to the servicemembers, the hostages are coming home. The war is not over, more challenges are expected in all arenas, and we are determined to defend Israel on all fronts,” he stated.
When pressed about reports of differing views within the military leadership, Defrin defended the chief of staff’s record and called the debate one of tactics, not intent: “The Chief of Staff never opposed the operation. He advocated for the decisive defeat of Hamas,” he said, noting there was disagreement about the method. “We cannot live with Hamas ruling the Gaza Strip, if these objectives are achieved through negotiations — fine. If not, we will know how to return to fighting. The IDF will be able to return to fighting Hamas. The campaign is not over; further challenges are expected on all fronts.”
On Hamas’s battlefield condition, Defrin was blunt: “Hamas today is not the Hamas of two years ago — Hamas has been defeated wherever we fought it.”
Addressing the difficult trade-offs in the deal that frees hostages in exchange for prisoner releases, he emphasized the cost but vowed accountability for any return to violence: “We are paying heavy prices for a noble goal. The IDF is strong and will know how to defend the State of Israel. We are aware of this price, and whoever among them returns to terror will pay the price.”
{Matzav.com}
Hamas says the same about Israel. Someone has to prove their claims
Defeated???!
The terrorists are getting back 250 Palestinian murderers who slaughtered Yidden in cold blood! Their top brass will still get to live the life of Riley in the comfort of Qatar! This is insane. Israel only knows how to lose. Sad day.
Where is is promised they will go into exile? “Super Sparta” leader BiBi signed an M.O.U. that says ( poin#17) Israel gives up no matter what they (Hamas) do, but a International Force takes over…BUT then allowed Hamas to Negotiate the terms after Israel signed that negated the International force as far as I can see on the internet..
Right now the News from Gaza is Hamas is hunting down those who Helped “the Jews”….who is gonna Stop this?
Hamas has definitely not been defeated. Hit, yes, weakened, temporarily. Moslem extremism is like a cancer – devastating, excruciatingly painful, difficult to defeat, and a single cell can cause the cancer to return even after supposed remission.
Then why is Hamas still firing missiles on us?
Daily Mail ( dot) Uk is reporting Hamas Police on the streets hunting those who worked with “Super Sparta”. Biggest Chilul Hashem in Years.
According to Brigadier-General Erez Viener, the New Israel Fund sinks tons of money into placing their Erev Rav Jew-hating people into key positions in the IDF – like the position of IDF spokesman.
(Or the NIF pays IDF soldiers lacking in integrity to act according its instructions.)
This explains why this spokesman and Hagari before him are such manipulative, lying fakes.
And yet these bare headed pork eating Michalel Shabbos bifarhesya chilonim are obsessed with dragging Bnei Torah away from their Torah learning and throw into the secular army that doesn’t share our values.
Exactly.
All talk.
Like you. Nothing to offer the world, Torah Jews or humanity.
If you know Hebrew well enough to watch Hidabroot’s interviews conducted by Oded Harush, you’ll discover that General Yitzchak Brick, brigadier-generals and colonels in the IDF are revealing shocking treachery from the upper echelons of the IDF, especially from ex-Ramatkal Hertzi, in addition to internal sabotage from the Wexner Foundation and the New Israel Fund.
Effie Defrin is likely a paid agent of the NIF.
They are running the war in a way that needlessly endangers the hostages, keeping them imprisoned, and also needlessly wounding and killing soldiers.
Four of my sons friends from his unit are victims of this, killed in a preventable “friendly fire” incident. They honestly did not need to be there.
The leaders of the army are secular atheists who don’t care about soldiers lives. They care more for Gaza civilians. 914 soldiers killed for nothing.