From the Liveblog of
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Touring the Strip, IDF chief Zamir says Gaza ceasefire line ‘a new border’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
During a visit to the Gaza Strip today, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir says the Yellow Line, demarcating where the Israeli military withdrew to as part of the ceasefire, is “a new border line.”
“We will not allow Hamas to reestablish itself. We control large parts of the Gaza Strip and stand along [strategic] lines. The Yellow Line is a new border line, a forward defensive line for the communities and an offensive line,” he says during a tour of Beit Hanoun and Jabalia, according to remarks provided by the IDF.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier that Israel would soon enter phase two of the ceasefire deal, once the last hostage’s body is returned. In phase two, the IDF is supposed to gradually withdraw from its current lines if and when Hamas begins disarming.
Zamir also highlighted that Israel was waiting for the return of the final deceased hostage.
“The vast majority of our hostages have returned, but our mission will not be complete until the final fallen hostage, Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, is brought back,” Zamir says.
The IDF chief tells forces that the military “must not be complacent; we must prepare across all arenas and maintain readiness and vigilance alongside adherence to operational norms.”
“The IDF is preparing for the scenario of a surprise war; this is one of the cornerstones of the upcoming multi-year plan,” Zamir adds.
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