On the 27th day of the "Iron Swords" war, IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Halevy issued a statement to the media today (Thursday) afternoon from the Palmachim base. He claimed that IDF forces under his command were "in the midst of the war" and that "our forces have advanced another significant stage and are now at the heart of a ground operation in the northern Gaza Strip."
At the beginning of his remarks, the Chief of Staff elaborated on the current progress of the ground maneuver: "IDF fighters have been operating in Gaza City in recent days, encircling it from a number of directions, deepening the entrance and we are deepening the achievements as well. Forces fight in a built-up, dense, complex area, requires very professional combat and a lot of daring.
"The ground forces are accompanied by precise intelligence, supported by fire from the air and sea. This partnership – that's our secret. It increases achievements and makes combat much more effective.
"Fighters are engaged in hand-to-hand battles against a cruel enemy, with a clear advantage alongside them – the evil and the spirit of battle flow through our veins, the spirit of Israeli society and the righteousness of our path accompany us all the time and this is very noticeable, it is very important.
"This war has a painful and difficult price; This is an integral part of ensuring our security here. We have lost some of our best sons in the fighting, we embrace their families and with their spirit and memory we will continue to win.
"This week, we were all moved when soldier Uri Magidish returned to her family, a unifying moment, a moment together. I allow myself to say, after years of rich operational service, we had a dramatic night in this rescue operation. With complex decisions, with risks and with happy endings. Uri is, of course, a whole world, but we also know that this action is a drop in the ocean. We have a deep obligation to do everything possible to bring home the abductees – all of them.
"We maintain high readiness in all arenas. They operate on the northern border, fight resolutely against Palestinian terrorism in Judea and Samaria, with an emphasis on Hamas, and are constantly committed to being prepared for the expansion of scenarios to other arenas as well.
"The Air Force operates in the Gaza Strip with great strength and excellence. But make no mistake – we operate less than half the force of the air force in the Gaza Strip! Most of the force is prepared and ready, with bombs on the wings and people ready to leap at any moment to the planes, to go out and attack in other arenas as soon as necessary.
"We are fighting in the name of the sanctity of life, against an enemy that has engraved death and destruction on its banner. We are fighting for our right, and that of future generations, to live here safely and prosper in our homeland. This is our home – we have no other country.
In the face of absolute evil, we act calmly, intellectually and determinedly. We will fight like fighters, who have a sharp moral compass, on these things our country was established, which is surrounded in some directions by enemies as well.
"The IDF fights on the front, but does not forget the home front. Our soldiers, Mehel's, the State of Israel's are in communities, in the evacuees' dormitories, accompanying the bereaved families and the families of the abductees. This is a broad national effort that touches and tries to bring good everywhere.
"We will lead this fighting in light of the goal, with the Israeli home front that strengthens us at home, and for a moment we will not forget what we are fighting for: a child riding a bicycle on a kibbutz, a couple on his canopy on the way to another Israeli home, our parents, grandparents, builders of this land, who put their trust in us, while we fight for them. For our sake.
"We will fight for this and for life as a free people in our land. The people's army comes from the people, and its mission is to ensure our continued existence here and our continued prosperity here in our country.
"In recent days, I've been visiting the forces on the ground a lot. I met reservists who came from literally the end of the world to exercise the right to defend the country, I met young soldiers who had just completed their training course and insist on entering and integrating into the fighting, participating in the mission of defending their homes;
"I meet many commanders who lead their men with courage, professionalism and determination, all wrapped in great talent. I am very proud to head them, and I know that the State of Israel, the people of Israel, have someone to rely on."
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