IDF chief: Ongoing Gaza op advanced conditions for hostage deal

Speaking at a National Security College course graduation ceremony, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir says the ongoing offensive against Hamas can enable a hostage deal with the terror group.

“During Operation Gideon’s Chariots, we dealt a severe blow to Hamas’s governmental and military capabilities, and thanks to the operational strength we demonstrated, the conditions to advance a deal for the release of hostages have been created,” he says.

“The IDF does not surrender to voices attempting to weaken it. From various directions, the attacks and accusations against the morality of our actions are disgraceful,” Zamir says.

“We act solely based on professional and objective considerations, in line with the goals of the war and according to the directives of the political leadership,” he continues.

“Before us stands the security of the state and its citizens. The campaign will end when we win. We will ensure our security and our future. We will not stop until we achieve all the objectives of the war in the correct operational order. This is our duty, this is our oath, and this is how we will act,” he says.

Also in his speech, Zamir says, “the lessons of the war underscore [that] we must strengthen our national resilience, significantly expand the circle of service, and ensure that the IDF stands strong, ready and determined in every arena and at all times.”