IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy is publishing a second combat page for the Iron Sword War on Wednesday. The page is published against the background of the advance of IDF forces into the heart of the Gaza Strip and in the shadow of reports that sixteen fighters have fallen in battle in the Gaza Strip.
Combat Page No. 2 - Iron Sword War
IDF soldiers and commanders,
We are in the midst of a war. It will be a long war and we will fight it to the fullest. We initiate and fight the enemy in its territory, hitting it in the same places where it worked on its plans and in the areas from which the wrongful terrorists emerged.
Ground forces in the Gaza Strip, photo: IDF Spokesperson
We are advancing in the stages of the war, operating on the ground inside enemy territory, accompanied by precise and heavy fire.
The activity will continue and intensify according to the stages of the war and its objectives, as defined by the Government of Israel.
So far, we have inflicted heavy losses and damaged the terrorist infrastructure. We search, find and kill the participants of the murderous attack against us and those who sent them. We will continueto fight the enemy with great forcefrom land, air and sea. We will continue tostrive tirelessly and take advantage of every opportunity to return the abductees, through overt and covert efforts and taking risks, as we have already done. War has aheavy and painful price, but it is necessary. We will continue to strike at the enemy for as long as necessary, until the citizens of Israel return to living a life of security in their homes and communities.
Expansion of IDF ground operations in the Gaza Strip, photo: IDF Spokesperson
All our enemies will know that the Israel Defense Forces will persecute anyone who tries to harm the people of Israel in its land and will exact a heavy price from it, sooner or later.
Weare fighting in the name of the sanctity of life, against an enemy whose banner is death and destruction.
Weare fighting as a powerful army, with asharp compass of values.
Weare fighting for the values of justice and morality on which the state was established, against a terrorist organization that has committed despicable war crimes and threats.
We are fighting for our right and theright of future generations to live safely and prosper in our homeland.
We are fighting with the masses of the House of Israel behind us. We are fighting the war of the people, the nation and all the citizens of Israel. Their spirit beats in us and instills in our ranks hope, battle spirit and determination for what is to come.
I have met many of you in the last few weeks. Commanders, fighters on land, in the air and at sea, in the regular and reserve forces, in units, headquarters and in the home front. I was among you, I saw the preparations and the training, I looked into your eyes and I saw you ready for battle.
Israeli navy missile boats in the Red Sea area, photo: IDF Spokesperson
The wind is strong. And with this spirit – be sharp, cultivate professionalism in every action, be alert to any threat and as prepared as possible for any surprise. Be warriors!
I say to you with confidence - we will fight with courage and determination - we will win, and we will ensure revival and new life. "For we will not turn back, and there is no other way, there is no nation that will fish from the trenches of its life." (Nathan Alterman, company singer).
The eyes of the nation are on us. Walk in your power that.
Major General Herzi Halevy
, Chief of the General Staff
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