As Israel moves closer to launching Operation Gideon’s Chariots in Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Yisroel Katz made it clear that the Israeli military will maintain control over any territory it seizes in order to ensure that terrorist threats don’t reemerge in those areas.
During a high-level briefing with the 162nd Division, Katz met with Southern Command leader Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, Division Commander Brig. Gen. Shagiv Dahan, Military Secretary Brig. Gen. Guy Markizano, and other top-ranking officers. He used the opportunity to lay out the central goals of the mission: eliminating Hamas’s ability to function both militarily and administratively, achieving the release of hostages, and pushing civilians into the southern section of Gaza for their own safety.
“We will act with great force to dismantle all of Hamas’s military and governmental capabilities, applying strong pressure to secure the release of all hostages,” Katz stated.
He added that the continued presence of IDF forces in areas taken during the operation will be vital to stopping terrorists from regrouping and to helping the military distinguish between Hamas members and the broader civilian population.
Katz also said the current arrangement of forces might offer a chance to reach a deal on a prisoner release, citing the “Witkoff model,” which he hopes can be advanced before President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the region concludes.
He made it clear that even in the case of a future agreement, Israel will not abandon the security zone it has carved out in Gaza, which serves to shield nearby Israeli towns and communities from attack.
Finally, Katz commended the dedication and bravery of both active-duty and reserve troops since the start of the “Iron Swords” campaign. He announced plans for a new initiative aimed at further assisting reservists and their families as the conflict continues.
{Matzav.com Israel}