During a visit to the Gaza Division on Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff LTG Eyal Zamir held a strategic discussion with division and brigade commanders ahead of a broadened military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
In his address, Zamir urged commanders to maintain unwavering resolve in their mission, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, precise military discipline, aggressive engagement with enemy forces, and achieving the overarching war goals: rescuing the hostages and dismantling Hamas.
He commended the officers for their direction and dedication throughout the conflict, noting the critical role they’ve played in guiding their soldiers.
“I have not forgotten, and you have not forgotten, the horrors of October 7th — we will not forget nor forgive. We are in a long, multi-front campaign, during which we are witnessing many acts of heroism across the IDF. The campaign is not over; we will continue to act until our mission is complete,” the Chief of Staff told the commanders.
Zamir made clear that bolstering the ranks through reserve enlistment is essential and urgent. “The need to draft reservists is real and immediate. We are in a time of trial, and the reservists will come. They will come because we call them, because they are needed, because there is no other choice. They will come with an understanding of the gravity of the moment. In a national call-up, when we summon people—they must report for duty.”
He stressed that the military cannot afford to respond defensively or lose momentum. “We must be proactive. We must take the initiative. We must be the ones to act first—before the enemy does. We do not have the right to be passive. We do not have the privilege to stop or retreat. That is a privilege we simply do not have—and it will not happen. Not under my command, and not under yours, because we are all here together to complete the mission,” Zamir said.
Reflecting on the progress of the campaign so far, Zamir explained that the military has now concluded the first stage of its plan. “Until now, it was phase 1 of the plan for the decisive defeat [of Hamas]. During this phase, we sought to maximize the potential for a hostage deal—but Hamas remained defiant in its position. Hamas is responsible for the suffering, the killing, and the destruction,” he said. “Now is the time to move to phase 2 of the plan. We will expand and intensify our operations. This is the call of the hour and the gravity of the moment.”
Zamir reaffirmed the IDF’s objectives with a clear message: “We are operating—and will continue to operate—with steadfast determination, focused on the return of the hostages, the defeat and dismantling of Hamas, and the destruction of its capabilities. This is a battle of spirit, endurance, and resolve.”
He acknowledged the toll the ongoing war has taken on reservists and their families. “I am aware of the challenges. For the past year and a half, reservists have been under immense pressure, called up for unprecedented periods. This is without precedent in the history of the State of Israel.”
Despite the strain, Zamir expressed full confidence in his officers. “I believe in your leadership. The IDF’s commanders are strong, and you must continue to carry the spirit of battle and determination. It relies on you—the commanders.”
He declared. “Everyone enlists, everyone serves, everyone sacrifices, everyone!”
Zamir emphasized the importance of national unity in service, stating that the army must reflect all parts of Israeli society. “We will continue to enlist everyone into the IDF. Serving in the IDF is both a duty and a privilege. We must do everything to integrate all sectors while preserving the unique identity of each community. We move forward with a national responsibility on our shoulders. Before my eyes, and the eyes of all IDF commanders, stands the security and defense of Israel,” the Chief of Staff concluded.
{Matzav.com}