IDF: Hamas Reduced From Terror Army to Guerilla Force
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said that the army would pursue Hamas for as long as necessary and wherever necessary.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir took a tour of army forces in the Beit Hanoun area today (Thursday), where he made the following statement:
"We are in a challenging and intense multi-front war. The Gaza front is our main effort. We are advancing with efforts for action in Gaza City. We already have forces operating on the outskirts of the city, and additional forces will join them later. Our missions remain freeing the hostages and defeating Hamas - we will not rest and will not stop until we complete them. They are vital to our future and our values as a society.
"We have hit Hamas very hard. It was a terror army and today it is a guerrilla organization. We will continue and strike Hamas everywhere, inside and abroad. We will pursue them for as long as necessary and wherever necessary. The attack attempt that was thwarted here is significant, I appreciate you and the way you acted. We need to be prepared at all times and strengthen the pattern of action, alertness and sharpness. It's important to continue learning and drawing lessons. This incident could have ended differently.
"If you weren't here, this terrorist cell would have reached the settlements. Your presence here alongside the operational activities are part of defending our settlements, you are the Northern Command, this is our role, to defend the settlements and protect the civilians.
"We issued tens of thousands of reserve duty orders yesterday for forces that will join here. We appreciate the reservists and their families, they are doing holy work. We call them only when needed and when required and we rely on them. I am sure they will stand until the mission is completed.
"We are discussing with the political echelon the plans for continuation and creating the best operational achievements on the battlefield in order to bring them the maximum possibilities.
"Our struggle is still long and many challenges await us.
"All of the people of Israel are looking at you and relying on you. We have no choice but victory. The Kfir Brigade will continue to stand firm and bring achievements. Great appreciation for the activity."