"It is a matter of time, but we will reach a solution to the rocket issue," said the commander of the Southern Command, Major General Eliezer Toledano.
In an exclusive interview, which will be published tomorrow in the "Shishvat" supplement, Toledano says that Hamas has failed in all its offensive efforts in Operation Wall Guard - except on the issue of rockets.
"They were stopped thanks to a very good job by the Gaza Division," Toledano explains.
"What's left for them? The rockets, whose effectiveness is also limited. Not that I think it makes sense to fire 4,300 rockets at a country, but it's the only tool left for them. So they learn, and we learn. And I run with all my might, and also look at him all the time to see where he is. "
Rocket launch, Photo: AFP
Red color on Saturday night: interceptions in the skies of Ashkelon // Photo: Eddie Israel
"Crazy Challenge"
Toledano says it's a crazy challenge. Look at the tunnels. It's a complex thing in Vietnam, and it's complex in Korea, and we managed to get into it. It took us a while, but we succeeded. I say the same thing about the rockets. We have to get there and give it a solution. "If we do not believe it is a realistic goal, we will not get there. It will not end next year, but that is the goal."
The commander of the Southern Command believes that it is impossible to "suffocate" the Gaza Strip, with its two million inhabitants.
"I support the improvement of the civilian situation in Gaza; firstly, because it is the biggest competition for Hamas. Secondly, because we are sitting on shared resources. And thirdly, because I look a decade ahead and ask myself where this thing is going. "Therefore, the two pillars of our strategy vis-à-vis Gaza are a high level of security and the improvement of civilian parameters."
Hamas operatives in Gaza, archive, Photo: IPI
Yahya Sinwar with Ismail Haniyeh // Photo: AFP,
But when you improve civilian parameters, you take security risks. If you put in concrete to rehabilitate ruined houses, you get it in tunnels.
"We are constantly required to balance things: deprive Hamas of military capabilities, but not degrade the civilian components. Those who want a clear answer may be disappointed, because there is no such thing in Gaza. A gentle maneuver is required here."
Toledano believes that the Israeli public should, by definition, be "less alarmed" by Hamas.
"We need to understand that if we are not scared, they lose. And for them to lose, we need to panic less. I know it's not a simple requirement, but when we understand their goal - to hurt our resilience - we need to be strong and not panic."
Documentation of the shooting incident on the Gaza border, in which Sgt. Bar-El Hadaria Shmueli was killed, Photo: Border Police spokeswoman
In his interview, General Toledano rejects the allegations made in the case of the death of the fighter Barel Hadaria Shmueli, and clarifies: "There is a price for our existence here.
He added that soldiers would be killed and civilians killed in the future. He added that Israel would continue to "turn every stone" to resolve the issue of prisoners and missing persons, but stressed that "Hamas must understand that Israel has changed its approach."
Toledano further says that the leaders of the Hamas organization are "mortals", as he defines it, and adds: "This is the kind of issue that should not be talked about. If you want to do - do, do not talk."
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you find an error in the article, we will be happy for you to share it with us and we will correct it
