Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir visited the Gaza Division on Tuesday as part of the preparation for Operation “Gideon’s Chariots”, holding discussions with commanders of all IDF divisions and brigades. In his remarks, he declared the transition to Phase B of the Victory Plan, emphasizing: “This is the need of the moment and of great magnitude – a battle for spirit, perseverance, and determination.”
Our Goal: Bring the Hostages Home and Defeat Hamas
Zamir addressed the importance of continuing an unrelenting offensive in the Gaza Strip: “Operation ‘Oz V’Herev’ (Strength and Sword) was Phase A of the Victory Plan. We tried to maximize the potential for a hostage deal, but Hamas remained defiant. Now we are expanding and intensifying the operation.”
“We are acting – and will continue to act – tirelessly, with the goal of returning the hostages, defeating and subduing Hamas, and destroying its capabilities.
This is a campaign of spirit, endurance, and resolve,” Zamir added.
Zamir also stated that the campaign is still underway, and expressed his appreciation for the commanders: “I believe in your leadership – you bear the responsibility of maintaining the fighting spirit within the IDF.”
Everyone Is Mobilizing, Serving, Sacrificing
He also addressed the ongoing efforts to recruit and support reservists, saying: “I’m aware of all the challenges. For a year and a half, reservists have been under immense pressure, drafted for unprecedented periods of time. This has never happened before in our country’s history.”
“Everyone is mobilizing, everyone is serving, everyone is sacrificing – everyone! We will continue working to recruit all sectors into the IDF. Serving in the IDF is both a duty and a privilege. We must do everything to integrate everyone, while also respecting the uniqueness of each population group,” Zamir stressed.
In reference to the events of October 7, the Chief of Staff declared: “I haven’t forgotten – and you haven’t forgotten – the horrors of October 7. We will never forget, and we will never forgive.”
The transition to Phase B of the Victory Plan comes at a time when the IDF is increasing pressure on Hamas, while also preparing for challenges across multiple fronts in what is expected to be a prolonged, multi-arena campaign.
