The new IDF spokesman, Brigadier General Efi Dufferin, made his first statement to the media this evening (Thursday) and addressed the renewed fighting in Gaza.
Dufferin said: I would like to update you tonight on IDF activity on the various fronts, with an emphasis on the expansion of the fighting in the Gaza Strip. From now on, I will meet you here, and I will come up to update you whenever necessary and according to events and developments - transparently and matter-of-factly.
In recent days, we have advanced to another stage within the framework of Operation "Strength and Sword." The plan serves the goals of the war - the return of the kidnapped and the destruction of Hamas' military and governmental capabilities.
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The operation began with a combined air and ground attack. We attacked more than 60 terrorist targets in the north and south of the Gaza Strip, to damage Hamas' military and governmental capabilities and to prepare the area for a ground entry. We expanded the operation in southern Gaza with the aim of encircling and dissecting the Rafah area.
In northern Gaza, our forces are operating and raiding terrorist targets, clearing the area and destroying terrorist infrastructure. Beyond that, we are maintaining operational ambiguity, so that we can surprise the enemy and bring about significant achievements – "our actions will speak.".
Since the return to fighting in the Gaza Strip, we have attacked more than 600 terrorist targets throughout Gaza, and eliminated more than 250 terrorists, including twelve senior figures in the Hamas terrorist organization and its government wing. All of them terrorists, all of them took part in the October 7 massacre.
We are operating according to a gradual plan with varying intensities. As the Chief of Staff said yesterday during his visit to the fighters in the Gaza Strip – "The only thing that can stop us from continuing to advance is the release of our hostages!""
We will not rest until we return the 59 abductees – the living and the dead; whose families – the parents, siblings, spouses, and children – have been waiting for them for a long time.
On the Syrian front, IDF forces operated overnight in southern Syria. The forces seized and destroyed weapons to prevent the establishment of hostile forces, which pose a threat to the State of Israel. During the operation, the forces encountered terrorists, and eliminated them with strikes from the ground and air. We continue to operate in a security zone that separates the residents of Israel from Syria, to maintain the security of the residents.
On the Lebanese front, we continue to enforce the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon. We hold the State of Lebanon responsible for what happens on its territory, and we will continue to enforce and protect the residents of the north.
In Judea and Samaria, IDF forces continue to operate to thwart terrorism, with an emphasis on the northern Samaria region. This important activity directly prevents terrorist attacks and activities. The forces operate professionally and bring about important achievements that have proven themselves during the month of Ramadan.
This week, a number of events occurred that did not match what is expected of IDF soldiers. The Central Command Major General investigated them and they were dealt with accordingly. The Chief of Staff, in his visit to the forces in the field this week, emphasized the importance of maintaining operational norms and discipline, which are a necessary condition for completing the mission. We will not accept situations in which IDF soldiers use force that is not in accordance with IDF values.
Yesterday, during a visit to the Gaza Strip, we met the reserve fighters from the Shiron and conscripted infantry brigades. I met familiar faces who fought alongside me in the past, were discharged from regular service years ago, and many of them continue to serve the country in reserve service. Most of them have been fighting for about a year and a half, leaving behind their families, jobs, and daily routines for the sake of all of us.
I address all reservists, as the IDF spokesman - you are our strength, and our responsibility is to honor your work and ensure that you receive all the necessary support for this purpose. In the meantime, as announced yesterday, resources have been allocated for this by the government. In accordance with the Chief of Staff's directive, the IDF is promoting a plan led by the Deputy Chief of Staff to support and reward those who bear the burden - and primarily the reservists. We all salute you!""
Questions and Answers:
that: Are the rumors that Israel is going to take an active part in strikes on Iran true?
A: The IDF regularly monitors threats and developments in the region, and of course prepares accordingly. I will not comment beyond that.
that: Does the IDF recognize a fear of direct conflict with Turkish forces in Syria?
A: The IDF is operating in Syria, as we did last night to secure the residents of the north, we are operating to prevent the establishment of hostile forces in Syria and we are operating to prevent the arming of Syria, with the residents of the north foremost in our minds, a security zone between the residents of the north and the residents of Syria.
that: In light of the expansion of activity in Gaza, how do you assess the impact of these operations on security stability in the south of the country, and what are the preparations for dealing with possible reactions ahead of Passover?
A: As I said before, we are working in Gaza to realize the goals of the war, the return of every last one of the abductees and the defeat of the Hamas regime in its military and political capabilities. Furthermore, the IDF is also prepared and on heightened alert for Passover to allow Israeli residents to celebrate.
that: How is it that the only officer whose promotion was delayed due to the failure to swear in October is Colonel Ephraim Avni?
A: The process of appointments and reassignment hearings in the IDF is a businesslike and professional process, this is how we have been doing it for years and this is how we will continue to do it. Ephraim Avni is an excellent officer, one of the best we have. We are currently beginning to implement the lessons of the investigations and are examining the results of the investigations, and we will act accordingly in the upcoming reassignment hearing.
that: How did we return to missile launches in the south again, and does the IDF intend to destroy all of the launchers and firing capabilities of the terrorist organizations, or do they still plan to allow sporadic firing even after the war ends?
A: We are still at war, the war continues, the IDF is operating vigorously with new methods in new places and at varying intensities to maintain the security of Israeli residents and to prevent, as much as possible, launches towards the territory of the State of Israel.
