IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir commented that the IDF "must not underestimate the enemy" during a field tour of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.
Zamir's comments came amid a field tour of the Gaza Strip, with the chief being accompanied by Southern Command head Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor, the IDF's Military Advocate General, Maj.-Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, 162nd Division head Brig.-Gen. Sagiv Dahan and several brigade commanders.
Zamir praised the performance of the soldiers during Operation Gideon's Chariots II, and instructed commanders to continue operations, maintaining a strong defensive support for soldiers, alongside increasing vigilance, preparedness, and readiness.
The bravery of our soldiers is leading to new opportunities
“We are in a unique reality, in a period of historic war and at a consequential crossroads. The war continues. The bravery of our soldiers and commanders across all arenas, and in Gaza in particular, is leading to new opportunities and bringing us closer to meeting the war’s objectives," Zamir said during his address.
"We must continue to excel in military action and lead with professionalism. The IDF will provide the political echelon with flexibility for any decision in conducting the campaign," he noted.
"I am heavily involved in the inquiries into the October 7 massacre. As a rule, I direct that all of the IDF’s capabilities be harnessed and committed for the sake of the troops on the ground," Zamir said.
"All directorates and service branches are doing everything to ensure you do not lack anything. To achieve our objectives - the return of the hostages, the decisive defeat of Hamas, and the intensification of strikes against its capabilities," he continued.
"I am very impressed by your activity in the Gaza Strip; I have deep appreciation for you and for the troops, and we must maintain ironclad focus and patience as the war’s next developments unfold," he affirmed.
"We will continue to maintain readiness and vigilance, be prepared along the lines of defense, and operate offensively to achieve security," Zamir concluded.