Outgoing IDF commander: Israel must prepare for escalation with Hamas

Israel “must be ready for escalation” on the Gaza border said the outgoing head of the IDF Southern Command.

By: World Israel News Staff

Outgoing head of IDF Southern Command (Maj.-Gen.) Eyal Zamir said Wednesday that Israel “must be prepared for escalation” on the Gaza border, and needs to “draw conclusions and find a suitable solution for kite terrorism as well.”

“The threat [from Hamas-controlled Gaza] has not ended and we need to step up the efforts,” Zamir said according to Ynet.

“With perseverance, Gaza border terror will be defeated,” Maj. Gen. Zamir added. “We will utilize our complete powers if necessary.”

“The Strip’s residents, who are suffering under the Hamas rule, have an interest in maintaining the quiet is the interest of the Strip’s residents.”

IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, who also spoke at the changing-of-the-guard ceremony, said the IDF was “dealing with a wide variety of terror attacks” from the Gaza Strip.

“Four years after Protective Edge,” Eisenkot said, “the operation is not over.  Only when Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul are returned to Israel for burial will we say it is over.”

High tensions on the Gaza border resulting in the postponing of the ceremony.

Maj. Gen. Herzl Halevi will replace Zamir. Halevi previously was head of military intelligence.

Gadi EisenkotGaza conflictHamasIDF