IDF chief says army presented politicians with options for continued Gaza offensive

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir says the military has presented the political leadership with several courses of action for the continued offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

“Your operational achievements here — eliminating terrorists, destroying infrastructure above and below ground, capturing and clearing vast areas — will enable us to bring about a shift in our operational patterns,” Zamir says to troops during a visit to Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood today, according to remarks provided by the IDF.

Zamir says the IDF will “implement new operational formations that will enhance our strengths, reduce our vulnerabilities, and deepen operational gains. These will increasingly pressure Hamas and reduce the erosion of our forces.”

“We have presented the options to the political leadership, and we will stabilize the situation according to our interests,” he says.

Zamir tells troops that their recent “achievements on the ground” are “advancing the defeat of Hamas and creating the potential for a hostage deal.”

“This is a time for perseverance and patience; only in this way will we reach the point where we break our enemies. If in the coming days we reach a deal to return the hostages, it will be a tremendous achievement of yours. Every hostage who is freed is thanks to your fighting,” he adds.