Live UpdateFrom the Liveblog of Friday, April 7, 2023

IDF chief: Israel’s enemies ‘should not draw false conclusions about us’

By Emanuel Fabian 7 April 2023, 8:25 pm 1 Edit

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent.

IDF chief Herzi Halevi and head of the Northern Command Ori Gordin hold an assessment in northern Israel, April 7, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)

Military chief Herzi Halevi says Israel’s enemies “should not draw false conclusions” regarding the Israel Defense Forces, amid rising tensions in the region.

In remarks provided by the IDF following an assessment at the Northern Command, Halevi says: “This is a complex period, the IDF is strong and will continue to use force as necessary, against any enemy and in any arena. I suggest to our enemies not draw false conclusions about us.”

“Both during the holidays and during times of internal public debate, the IDF is prepared, ready and determined to provide security to the citizens of the State of Israel,” he adds, referring to the controversy over the government’s planned judicial overhaul.