In preparation for Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” in Gaza, Defense Minister Israel Katz held a situational assessment this morning (Wednesday) with Division 162. The meeting, which included Southern Command Chief Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, Division 162 Commander Brig. Gen. Sagiv Dahan, and other senior commanders, underscored the commitment to act with full force to achieve all of the operation’s goals.
Visit by the Defense Minister, WATCH:
“We will act with overwhelming force”
Katz stated that Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” is intended to dismantle Hamas and bring home all the hostages. He said the IDF will act decisively to eliminate all of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities. “Once the maneuver begins, we will act with overwhelming force and will not stop until all the objectives are achieved,” he said.
As part of the plan, the entire Gazan population will be moved to areas in southern Gaza, with a clear separation between civilians and Hamas terrorists. To prevent the return of terrorism, the IDF will remain in all areas they take. Katz noted that the “Witkoff model” could be used for a potential hostage deal, taking advantage of the window of opportunity before the U.S. president’s visit to the region concludes.
Katz also promised strong protective support for maneuvering forces, along with additional assistance for reservists—aimed at strengthening their resilience in the field and supporting their families on the home front.
In conclusion, the Defense Minister stressed that Israel will not withdraw from the security buffer zone around Gaza, not even under a temporary or permanent arrangement. This, he said, is essential to protecting Israeli communities and preventing weapons from reaching Hamas. “We will act with determination to ensure that this operation achieves its goals,” Katz concluded.
