IDF chief says all plans presented to cabinet aimed at Hamas’s defeat, new stage of fighting in offing

Speaking during an assessment earlier today, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir says the options the military presented to the security cabinet last week regarding operations in Gaza all had the goal of defeating Hamas, pushing back against critics who accuse the army brass of preferring an approach that focused more on freeing hostages than on dismantling the terror group.

“In accordance with the cabinet’s decision, we are at the outset of a new stage in the fighting in Gaza. We will develop the best method according to the defined objectives, while maintaining professionalism and the principles that guide our actions,” Zamir says, according to remarks provided by the IDF.

The comments come as the army gears up to capture Gaza City, as instructed by the political leadership in a controversial decision.

“We will do this according to the readiness of the forces and the weaponry, with the hostages in mind — we will do everything to preserve their lives and bring them home,” he says.

Zamir says the alternative plans that were presented to the cabinet were “all intended to bring about the defeat of Hamas, with full understanding of the implications in all aspects.”

It has been reported that Zamir opposed the capture of Gaza City and instead suggested to the cabinet that the IDF take a more gradual approach and encircle the city instead. Critics of alternate plans presented by the army say they were more focused on freeing the hostages than on defeating the terror group.

“The IDF knows how to capture Gaza City, just as it knew how to capture Khan Younis and Rafah. Our forces maneuvered there in the past; we will know how to do so again,” Zamir says.

The IDF chief, during the assessment, also says that the standing army and reserves must be allowed “breathing space” to enable the continued operations in Gaza “in the most efficient and optimal way, while preserving strength for the future.”

The assessment today was focused on evaluating the military’s operational readiness during the war.

The meeting — the second in a series — is part of a broader process to shape a multi-year plan for the army while maintaining combat operations, according to the IDF.