IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy, in a statement from the area surrounding the Gaza Strip, referred today (Tuesday) to the preparedness of the forces for a ground incursion into the Gaza Strip, saying that "the State of Israel is in the midst of a war launched by the Hamas terrorist organization. He will regret it, he is already beginning to regret it," adding that "many hundreds of terrorists were killed thanks to the heroism of the fighters, civilians and security forces alike."
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy in a statement, photo: Shmuel Buchris
Levy described the preparations for the ground incursion and said that "IDF forces are now holding the ground, defending strongly, but vigilance is still required. I go through the forces in the field and brief them, talk to the fighters, to the commanders, I just came from visiting another division. We adapted to this, equipped ourselves with good means, among the most advanced in the world. But mostly, we have the best fighters for these missions."
"Now it is the enemy who is waiting anxiously"
Regarding the delay before the ground operation, despite the readiness of the forces, the Chief of Staff said that "the IDF and Southern Command have planned high-quality offensive plans to achieve the objectives of the war. I want it to be clear – the IDF is ready for maneuvering, and we will make a decision together with the political echelon about the nature and timing of the next stage."
"We are waging a war, at this stage there are tactical to strategic considerations that allow us more time to improve and use every minute to be even more prepared. On the other hand, with every minute that passes on the other side, we attack the enemy more, kill operatives, kill commanders, destroy its infrastructure, and gather more intelligence for the future. We are holding it in suspense, now it is the enemy who is waiting anxiously!"
"We attack the Gaza Strip all the time and without stopping; Day and night, from the air, sea and land, targets based on high-quality and focused intelligence. Our ground soldiers are at the borders, meet enemy squads almost every night, and attack them: infantry, armor, engineering and artillery, together with all the branches of the IDF, the air force, the navy, intelligence, all working together for one goal - defending the State of Israel."
The IDF is prepared for any scenario - even in the north
Regarding Hezbollah's attacks in Gabon, Lebanon, the Chief of Staff said: "In the north of the country, the Lebanese border, IDF forces are determined on the line of contact, we immediately attack any Hezbollah squad that is interested in or tries to harm Israeli citizens or IDF soldiers. Hezbollah is an organization that collaborates with Hamas' murderous attack, and thus identifies with ISIS, under the guise of a "shield of Lebanon." We are strongly prepared, ready and alert for the possibility of expansion of the arenas, near and far."
IDF forces near the Gaza border, photo: AFP
"In light of the situation in the north, we decided to evacuate many residents from their homes. It is inconvenient, but it is much safer. We are working and will work to restore security to the northern border. The goals of the war, as defined to us by the Israeli government, are the dismantling of Hamas, the restoration of security for the residents of Israel, and a supreme effort to free the abductees and return them home."
Halevi addressed the issue of the many abductees held by Hamas, saying: "We will never forget the children who were murdered, the women who were separated from their husbands, the atrocities. We take these pictures with us forward to the battlefield, determined, and we will do it like fighters."
"We also remember and fight mainly because we know that there is something for it – this is our country, our home, and we will defend it in every way," he added. "An event took place here like no other since the establishment of the state – and it will require a fundamental change in the security reality. There are costs to this, including during the war."
"Everyone is recruited. Reserve and regular soldiers, look around, the staging areas of the reserves went on shiva visits, and weddings were also held. This combination of sadness and joy will be combined with a force that will walk with us and accompany us on the battlefield. This war has one address – the Hamas leadership and anyone who acted under its command, they will pay the price for the operation they carried out."
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