IDF Chief vows to pursue Hamas leaders abroad after elimination of Abu Obaida

Zamir highlighted the continuing mission to recover hostages, noting the recent retrieval of the bodies of Idan Shtivi and Ilan Weiss.

By World Israel News Staff

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Sunday that the military will not stop until every Hamas leader is reached, including those outside Gaza, following the targeted killing of the group’s longtime spokesman Abu Obaida.

Zamir made the remarks during a security assessment at Northern Command headquarters, where he reviewed operational plans together with senior commanders, including Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, head of the Northern Command, as well as the chiefs of the Intelligence, Planning, and Operations directorates.

“The IDF is operating offensively, with initiative and superiority, across all arenas and at all times,” Zamir stated.

“In the Gaza Strip yesterday, we struck one of Hamas’ senior leaders, Abu Obaida, after most of Hamas’ leadership had already been eliminated. Our actions are not yet complete. Most of the remaining leaders are abroad, and we will reach them as well.”

He added that the strikes were part of a broader campaign that has also targeted hostile elements in Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, and elsewhere.

Zamir highlighted the continuing mission to recover hostages, noting the recent retrieval of the bodies of Idan Shtivi and Ilan Weiss. “Since the beginning of Operation Gideon’s Chariots in March, the remains of 10 hostages have been brought back, in addition to Idan Alexander. This is our moral mission, and we will not stop until every hostage is returned,” he said.

Turning to the home front, Zamir emphasized that the start of the school year for many Israeli children—including some in northern communities returning to classrooms for the first time since the war began—was possible because of military gains. “The basic condition for opening schools is the security of the residents. That security exists thanks to our troops and their achievements,” he said.

He also praised reservists preparing to redeploy this week as operations continue in Gaza City, stressing their role in sustaining Israel’s defense.

In conclusion, Zamir expressed gratitude to Northern Command officers for what he called “operational actions that are delivering real results.”