IDF Chief approves extended military pressure on Hamas

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi issued a statement on the eve of the 100th day of the war.

"Today, we approved the Southern District Headquarters Command's plans to continue hostilities and intensify military pressure on Hamas. This pressure aims to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of hostages. It is thanks to this pressure that we have been able to return some of the abducted,” he stated.

Halevi noted that January 14 marks 100 days since the war began.

"During these 100 days, hostages have been held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists. Our efforts, mostly conducted in secret, are dedicated to bringing them back. We'll persist until we retrieve all of them. Every minute counts," he emphasized, highlighting the necessity of proactive actions on enemy territory without succumbing to "ceasefire" blackmail.

Halevi also mentioned the IDF's completion of destroying terrorist infrastructures in the north of the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need to maintain this achievement. Current efforts focus on the south and center of the sector, targeting an extensive Hamas military industry.

Regarding the Lebanese border, Halevi emphasized the IDF's strategy to make Hezbollah pay a growing price for supporting Hamas and pleasing Iran.

"We are operating around the clock in Judea and Samaria, in populated areas and on roads. Throughout the war, we conducted an unprecedented number of offensive operations, apprehending numerous terrorists, including attack planners," he concluded.