On first Gaza visit since Oct. 7, Herzog says Israel is operating ‘in accordance with international law’

President Isaac Herzog hails the service of reservists and active-duty soldiers during his first visit to Gaza since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and asserts that Israel is operating in accordance with international law.

During the visit, Herzog meets with troops and receives an operational briefing from IDF Southern Command head Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, 99th Division commander Brig. Gen. Yoav Brunner and other senior officers.

Addressing efforts to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza, Herzog tells groups of soldiers in the Strip: “You are fighting to change the reality and bring our hostages back — that is the most urgent mission. There are currently intense negotiations underway, thanks to your actions and those of everyone fighting in the Strip. You are the ones who will bring our hostages home.”

Herzog is also shown the controversial Israel- and US-backed humanitarian aid mechanism in the territory, which has drawn sharp criticism in recent months — both for alleged IDF killings of civilians near aid sites and for falling short of addressing Gaza’s humanitarian needs.

“We are acting here and providing humanitarian aid in accordance with international law,” Herzog says. “Those trying to sabotage that aid are Hamas and its operatives, who are willing to do anything to stop our forces from dismantling infrastructure that could harm us and our civilians.”

Meeting with reservists from Battalion 969, Herzog tells them: “When I see you up close, it’s clear everything you do is to protect Israel’s citizens, defend the Gaza-border communities, and safeguard the country. You leave behind work and family without hesitation… It’s important to highlight the immense burden carried by reservists.”

He also meets with commanders from the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, a unit intended for ultra-Orthodox soldiers, who affirm their commitment to integrating Haredi troops “while honoring their identity and beliefs.”

“There are changes underway in the Haredi community that must be supported,” Herzog tells them. “I want everyone to get under the stretcher,” he says, using a Hebrew idiom for everyone pitching in. “This is a real process. I’ve seen it firsthand in visits to bereaved Haredi families whose stories have gone untold.”

The president also meets with female lookout and combat intelligence soldiers from the 414th Battalion. After reports emerged that senior commanders refused to heed the warnings of young female surveillance soldiers responsible for watching the Gaza border in the weeks before October 7, Herzog says that since the attack, “the IDF has drawn many lessons” and asks the soldiers if they feel their commanders are sufficiently listening to them.

One female soldier replies that “since October 7, things have gotten much better — everything is much more open, and the communication has become more serious and meaningful,” according to Herzog’s office.