TEL AVIV, May 20. /TASS/. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is expanding its operation in the Gaza Strip but will be ready to adjust its tactics in case an agreement on the release of hostages is reached, Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir said after a situation assessment in the enclave.
"We will expand our operation, establish operational control of additional territory, clear and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure — until Hamas is decisively defeated. We are acting in self-defense — and in order to defend ourselves, we must strike. We cannot defend ourselves unless we remove the threat clearly and decisively from the other side of the border," he stated.
He stressed that one of the operation’s key goals is to return Israeli hostages who are still held in the Gaza Strip. "If there is an agreement [on hostage release] - the IDF will know how to adjust its operations accordingly," he added.
He vowed that the Israeli military will do everything they can to avoid potential harm to the hostages. "I am fully aware of the concern and anguish experienced by the families of the hostages, and of the questions raised by the combination of these objectives. It is a complex challenge, but we possess the tools, wisdom, and responsibility to meet it. I, along with every soldier in the IDF, will continue to act tirelessly until all our hostages are brought home," he pledged.
He once again placed responsibility for what is going on in Gaza on Hamas and stressed that this war was forced upon Israel "on the dark day of October 7th, when Hamas attacked the State of Israel with unprecedented brutality."
I wish to address the residents of Gaza: We are not the ones who brought this destruction upon you," Zamir went on to say. "We are not the ones who started this war. We are not the ones who have deprived you of food, shelter, and money. We do not hide in hospitals or schools. We do not live in luxury hotels while you live in hardship. This is your leadership — the ones holding our hostages. Hamas is responsible for starting the war. It is responsible for the difficult situation of the civilian population — it brought destruction, and it will not be the one to rebuild."
He stressed that the Israeli military is acting within norms of law and rejected any criticism on this matter. "The IDF operates at all times in accordance with IDF values, Israeli law, and international law, while maintaining an uncompromising commitment to the security of the State of Israel and its civilians. Any statement that casts doubt on the integrity of our actions or the morality of our soldiers is baseless," he stated.
On May 18, Israel said that it was expanding operations in the southern and northern Gaza Strip as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots involving five army divisions.
The goal of this operation, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to defeat Hamas and establish control over the entire Gaza Strip.