IDF chief tells mayors army aims to ‘pursue every terrorist and prevent every rocket’

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi meets mayors of southern Israeli cities and councils ravaged by Hamas’s October 7 onslaught, and according to Channel 13 news promises them that after the war is over, “not one rocket will fly toward Israel.”

The military later denies that that remark was made, saying Halevi said the IDF “will do everything to pursue every terrorist and prevent every rocket.”

The IDF says that in Ashkelon, Halevi expressed deep commitment to restoring security and prosperity to the devastated region, where almost all residents have been evacuated.

Hailing the civilians’ resilience, Halevi says the military and he personally “are focused on just one goal right now — defeating and dismantling Hamas.”

He acknowledges once again that the IDF failed its mission to defend the residents, reiterating that the army is also in charge of security going forward.

“We will remember what happened, fight, and not allow for such an event to happen again.”