Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), visited Jabalia in the Gaza Strip on Monday, where he conducted a situational assessment and held discussions with senior military commanders. Among those present were Major General Yaron Finkelman, commander of the Southern Command, and Brigadier General Itzik Cohen, commander of Division 162. During his visit, Halevi praised the operational achievements of the forces and stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Hamas to secure the release of all hostages and weaken the organization’s capabilities.
Hamas is in a Dire Situation
The Chief of Staff noted that Hamas is facing an increasingly dire situation as a result of IDF operations in Gaza. “I see the situation Hamas is in,” Halevi said. “They witness every single day the impact of your actions, and they understand that this is nearing an unbearable point.”
Halevi reiterated the IDF’s commitment to its objectives, stating, “We will not stop. We will push them to the point where they understand that they must return all the hostages. If not, the very professional work you are doing will continue and intensify.” He also emphasized efforts to minimize casualties among IDF soldiers. “I know you are doing everything possible to ensure we have as few injuries as possible,” he added.
This visit underscores the IDF’s strategy to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure and secure the release of hostages while maintaining the safety of its personnel.
