Zamir in Rafah: We must be prepared for a rapid transition to a wide-ranging attack to occupy land beyond the 'Yellow Line' in Gaza

SadaNews - Israeli Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, stated during his visit to Rafah in southern Gaza Strip on Sunday that his army must be ready for a rapid transition to a wide-ranging attack to occupy land beyond the "Yellow Line" in the Strip.

This was according to a statement issued by the Israeli army this evening, which noted that Zamir had "conducted a situational assessment in the Gaza Division, with the participation of Southern Command leader Yaniv Asor, Gaza Division commander Barak Hiram, 252nd Brigade commander Yehuda Fach, as well as all brigade leaders in the area, and other commanders. "

The statement added that "the Chief of Staff then conducted a field tour in the Rafah area," noting that he "discussed the operational situation and developments in all areas, emphasizing defensive efforts, eliminating threats, and being in constant readiness for a rapid shift to offensive operations."

Zamir said that "the Israeli army operates in a changing reality, facing challenges on various fronts. At the same time, we control over 50% of the land in the Gaza Strip, without controlling its population."

He pointed out that "the Yellow Line serves as a containment and control line, and we continue to work to prevent Hamas from gaining strength through control of the areas under our governance, and on the gates of Gaza (the checkpoints fully controlled by Israel)."

He added that "in parallel with the current operational course, if necessary, we must be prepared for a rapid transition to a wide-ranging attack to occupy areas in the Gaza Strip from the other side of the Yellow Line."

He continued: "Our forces continue to operate along the Yellow Line to clear the area and eliminate enemy pockets. The Southern Command will continue to work diligently to accomplish the mission of destroying the saboteurs and underground infrastructure while maintaining the security of our forces," he described.

The Chief of Staff of the Israeli army stated: "We will continue to assert that Hamas's rule will not persist on the other side of the border, even if it takes time. We will continue the mission of dismantling Hamas and disarming the Gaza Strip, and we will achieve this either through agreements or by military means."

He noted that "last week, we engaged in an investigation into the events of the October 7 attack. I formed an expert committee upon assuming the position of Chief of Staff, as a complete commitment to the truth and a desire to lead a process of deep learning and understanding. We owe this to the Israeli army and I owe it to you, leaders. We are not afraid of the consequences, all of this is to advance the army towards growth, learning, and progress."