From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
IDF chief: Israel ready ‘to return immediately and forcefully’ to fighting on all fronts
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir says the military remains on high alert and is ready to return to fighting on all fronts, amid the fragile truces in Iran and Lebanon.
“Since the inferno of October 7, we have been working to reestablish our military strength through continuous fighting,” he says while addressing 120 outstanding soldiers honored at an Independence Day ceremony at the President’s Residence.
He says that in Gaza, the IDF “prevailed in the fight against Hamas — and upheld the command: ‘We leave no one behind.'”
“At this very moment, we are conducting intense fighting in Lebanon to strengthen the defense of the northern communities,” Zamir says.
“So too in the fighting against Iran in Rising Lion and Roaring Lion,” he says, referring to the June 2025 war with Iran and the latest 40-day conflict with the Islamic Republic.
“At this time, the IDF maintains high alertness and readiness, prepared to return immediately and forcefully to combat in all sectors,” Zamir adds.
The Times of Israel Community.