Major General Yaniv Asor, who leads the IDF’s Southern Command, paid a visit on Monday to the troops of the 252nd Division. During his address, he spoke about the ongoing military campaign in Gaza and reiterated the central objectives of Operation Swords of Iron.
“Since October 7th, we have been at war — a war for our right to live as a free people in our country, a war to preserve the Jewish homeland. These are historic days in which we are initiating, we are surprising, we are daring, and we are striking Iran—the head of the snake,” Asor said.
He emphasized that Hamas cannot be allowed to remain in Gaza and that victory in this campaign is essential. “We cannot tolerate Hamas here — we will not end this war until the threat has been eliminated. It is this campaign which brings us closer to returning the hostages and the fallen. I fully believe that we will not stop until we bring our living brothers and sisters home. This mission lives deep within us,” he said.
Asor highlighted the determination of the IDF and the importance of holding strategic ground to defend nearby Israeli towns. “With a spirit of initiative and offense, determination and perseverance—unrelenting perseverance—we will not stop until you have taken these ridges, the ridge that overlooks Gaza and dramatically improves our ability to protect Netivot, Sderot, Ofakim, Sa’ad, Kibbutz Gaza, Alumim, and Nahal Oz.”
He concluded by describing the emotional and strategic significance of the high ground. “When civilians look up to this ridge, they see the Israeli flag, they see IDF posts, and they feel safe enough to return. We will not stop until we defeat Hamas and bring our hostages home,” the head of the Southern Command concluded.
{Matzav.com}
