Statement of Chief of Staff Halevi on the half-year anniversary of the war:
1. On the departure of the forces tonight from the Gaza Strip: “The IDF did not leave the Gaza Strip.” We have many fighters at this time inside the strip. It’s a long war, you can’t be in it all the time in the same configuration of forces. We change intensities and modes of action. Achievements are not measured in the pages of the diary, many more achievements will come.”
2. On the preparation for Iranian revenge: “The IDF knows how to deal with Iran in defense and attack, and we know how to act powerfully against Iran in places near and far.” Since the beginning of the war, Iran has been trying to disavow and hide from direct involvement in it, but we know that it operates, directs, finances, and transfers knowledge to all its affiliates in the region.’
3. On the negotiations for the return of the abductees: “The IDF is strong enough for the State of Israel to know how to pay prices for the return of its sons and daughters.” We have a moral debt towards them, and the IDF knew how to meet a difficult price – and to return and fight with strength.’
4. The Chief of Staff attacks Smotrich’s decision to delay the purchase of fighter jets from the USA: “The decisions we will make today – have a decisive and critical effect on building the strength of the IDF. We do not have the privilege to reject them, a delay in decisions on building the strength of the IDF endangers the security of the country.’
