IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) Director Ronen Bar carried out an on-site visit and operational review on Wednesday in the Tel al-Sultan area of Gaza. They were accompanied by high-ranking officers, including Southern Command head Major General Yaniv Asor, Gaza Division head Brigadier General Barak Hiram, and Brigadier General Moran Omer, who commands the 36th Division, along with other top military officials.
During their visit, Zamir and Bar spoke with officers in the field and received updates regarding combat preparedness, focusing on both defensive measures and upcoming offensive strategies.
“IDF troops, under the leadership of the Southern Command, are deepening the operation, and this will continue at a deliberate and determined pace,” Zamir stated during the visit.
He elaborated further: “We will preserve operational ambiguity and the element of surprise—the field will speak for itself. The only thing that can halt our further advance is the release of our hostages! Their return would allow our forces to reposition and enable the continuation of negotiations.”
Zamir also addressed Bar directly in what many interpreted as a farewell note, saying: “I deeply value the growing cooperation between the security agencies. My sincere appreciation goes to the Director of the ISA and his personnel for their dedicated efforts throughout the war.”
He then referred to the ongoing investigations into the events of October 7, particularly the attack at the Nova music festival: “Today, we reviewed the investigation into the ‘Nova’ festival attack. The findings underscore the immense responsibility we bear and the mission we must uphold. The IDF bows its head in respect to the families, the hostages, and the victims. This event reinforces our duty to improve and to draw critical lessons.”
ISA Director Ronen Bar commented on the continuation of operations against Hamas: “The targeted strikes in the Gaza Strip, which began with the opening strike two weeks ago, will intensify. The is a direct link between these strikes and the targeted operation in central Beirut. Counter-terrorism requires decisive action, and Hamas will be held accountable wherever it seeks to harm Israeli civilians. The objective of this operation and our continued presence in the area is to make it unmistakably clear: Hamas will continue to pay a price until the 59 hostages are safely returned.”
{Matzav.com Israel}The post Chief Of Staff In Gaza: ‘The Only Thing That Can Stop Us Is the Release of Our Hostages!’ first appeared on Matzav.com.