“We will not allow the Hamas terrorist organization to rebuild its power or threaten us again.”
By The IDF Club
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted a field tour Wednesday in southern Gaza, underscoring the military’s continued readiness and determination to confront Hamas and prevent the terrorist organization from rebuilding its capabilities.
Zamir was accompanied by Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, Gaza Division commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram, the commanders of the Golani Brigade, 188th Armored Brigade, the Southern Brigade, and additional senior officers.
During the visit, the chief of staff met with IDF troops operating in the sector and praised their offensive actions against Hamas violations, stressing the importance of maintaining high alert, sustained operational pressure, and readiness to thwart any emerging threat to Israeli civilians.
Reflecting on the past year, Zamir said the IDF had achieved “unprecedented accomplishments,” highlighting what he described as a severe blow to Hamas, the destruction of its frontline units, and the removal of the threat Israel faced on October 7.
“We have eliminated the threat as we experienced it on October 7 and returned all living hostages to their homes,” Zamir said, adding that the military is continuing efforts to bring home the final fallen hostage, Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, for burial in Israel.
Looking ahead, Zamir said 2026 will be decisive in shaping Israel’s security reality, making clear that the IDF will not allow Hamas to rearm or regain strength.
“Our determination to disarm Hamas is absolute,” he said. “We will not allow the Hamas terrorist organization to rebuild its power or threaten us again.”
Zamir also pointed to the “yellow line” as a newly established security boundary in Gaza, describing it as both an enhanced defensive line and a rapid launch point for offensive operations.
“This is a new security border,” he said. “It is a fortified line of contact and a base for swift offensive action. We will act and exploit opportunities to weaken Hamas, and forces must remain alert and prepared for sudden developments.”
The chief of staff noted that in recent months the IDF has begun deepening work on a new multi-year force-build plan and a comprehensive rewrite of its military doctrine.
“We will not return to the reality that existed before October 7,” Zamir said.
He also confirmed that the IDF has concluded its investigations into the events of October 7, saying the lessons learned will now be implemented on the ground through dedicated teams as part of the updated IDF strategy.
Zamir concluded by urging commanders and troops to continue leading with initiative and offensive spirit, emphasizing that the IDF is focused on shaping Israel’s security environment across all fronts.
