"I would like to update you today where we stand in the war - in all arenas and in all aspects. The IDF's achievements are accumulating. Shaft after shaft, headquarters after headquarters. Much of the Gaza Strip is currently not under Hamas rule. Public institutions have been destroyed, it does not provide services of education or medicine except through international organizations. The citizen of Gaza has no real government address," Minister Benny Gantz said at a briefing on Wednesday.
The minister added: "Even from the military aspects, many of the Hamas battalions were disbanded, the launching capabilities were damaged, and its effective control on the ground, especially in the northern Gaza Strip and Gaza City, does not exist. We must keep going. If we stop now, Hamas will regain control.
"If we also take the right political steps, we will achieve our goals."
"We adhere to the long-term goals we set ourselves – to bring the abductees back alive. and remove the threat of Hamas. Reality obliges us and our achievements allow us to examine and adapt our methods of action and strengths. In most areas, we have completed the operational takeover phase, and we are now deep in the stage of dismantling the terrorist infrastructure, which will lead to the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.
Fighters in Gaza, archive, photo: Reuters
"We carry out our activity in the Gaza Strip through a combination of defense, attack and dismantling infrastructure. Every region and its challenge, and every action weakens Hamas. At the same time, if we also take the right political steps vis-à-vis the international community and the countries of the region, we will achieve our goals. A few weeks ago, I said a sentence taught to me by Major General Polly Mordechai, who lost his late son-in-law Roy in battle, and which is still relevant today: "Nihana Shaab Sabur." We have determination and patience. Our enemies need to know that our determination is endless.
"The citizens of Israel understand that the activity in the Gaza Strip will continue for a long period of time in various forms, and at the required intensity. It is important to emphasize that our security will be kept in our hands.
"The most urgent thing is the return of the abductees. This takes precedence over any move in the fighting. If there are any of the abductees watching us right now, it is important for you to know - we are doing everything so that you will return to your loved ones who do not stop fighting for you. There's no channel you don't work on, and there's no path you don't take to make that happen."
"The Lebanese government must decide whether its citizens are 'human shields of Iran.'"
The minister also gave an update on the picture of the war in the north: "In the northern arena, fighting is taking place that changes reality. We are creating an extermination zone in southern Lebanon, and stationing soldiers and means at the border. This preparation will continue and strengthen – for years to come. The Lebanese government must decide whether it is a "defender of Lebanon" or whether its citizens are "human shields of Iran." If Lebanon continues to serve as an Iranian terrorist outpost, we will act in southern Lebanon just as we operate in northern Gaza. This is not a threat to Lebanon – it is a promise to the residents of the north."
Regarding the state budget, Gantz said: "We as the state camp are studying it. We will try to make a difference, and only then will we make the decision of how to vote. War will require painful steps. In order for the government to come to the public with clean hands, it must significantly reduce coalition funds, close ministries, and freeze Norwegian law and the salaries of Knesset members. It won't solve the challenges of the economy – but it's the personal example that obliges us."
MK Ofer Kassif, Photo: Oren Ben Hakon
On the ouster of MK Ofer Kasif, he said: "What Ofer Kasif did - to try to accuse Israel of genocide - is a very serious thing. Members of the state camp signed with my knowledge and approval. I am not in a hurry to express an opinion on the need to oust a Knesset member, this incident crossed red lines and it is good that it be dealt with."
"At this time, a partnership of destiny is required. If there are those who have forgotten Simchat Torah and returned to the eve of Yom Kippur, they should stop and remember what our enemies do when we split up. The leadership's responsibility is to facilitate partnership and focus on responsible action for citizens – not politics. This is the way to preserve unity, and to let the IDF and the people of Israel win," he concluded, adding: "Idan Amidi for whom we wish complete healing sings: "Damn, how many heroes there are in the country" - thank God we have so many heroes who are the source of our strength. We embrace the bereaved families and the wounded who are paying the price of the resurrection more than anyone. We will accompany them and we will not forget their heroism."
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