IDF chief of staff: ‘If talks break down, ready to resume fighting’

Zamir also praised the role of reservists over the past two years and promised stronger support for reserve troops and their families.

By JNS

IDF Chief-of-Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, conducted a field visit on Sunday to the westernmost point of the Netzarim Corridor, which splits the Gaza Strip into two.

Zamir conducted a surprise exercise simulating an attack on the troops’ outpost, and held a talk and briefing for soldiers and commanders.

“The operation is not over. We must remain alert and ready for combat at all times,” Zamir said.

He said there is “no ceasefire,” but a shift in the operational status as political leaders try to convert military gains into a political outcome.

He warned that “if the political effort does not succeed, we will return to fight,” and stressed the army will “continue to carry out our mission” while preserving soldiers’ lives.

He stressed that Israel will not allow Hamas to continue as a governing or military force in Gaza and “if required—we will fight to achieve this.”

Zamir added that even if an agreement is reached, the IDF will maintain operational control of forward areas to preserve the ability to act as needed.

He praised the role of reservists over the past two years and promised stronger support for reserve troops and their families.

He called the possible release of hostages “a significant achievement” and a principal war objective, saying, “We hope to see all 48 hostages home soon; this is a moral, ethical, and national imperative.”

“Two years ago we experienced the most traumatic event in our history. We do not intend to return to the days before Oct. 7. We are changing the reality across the Middle East and in all arenas. We will not tolerate threats. We are on the offensive, eliminating enemies in formation, in every arena,” Zamir said.

Present at the visit were the Southern Command head, Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor; the Head of the Technological and Logistics Directorate, Maj. Gen. Rami Abudraham; the commander of the 99th Division, Brig. Gen. Yoav Bruner; commanders of the 10th and 11th Reservist Brigades; and additional commanders.