Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir: “If we do not see progress in the return of the hostages, we will expand our activity into a more intense and significant operation.”

By David Brummer

More than 4,000 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reservists have signed a letter addressed to Defense Minister Israel Katz, demanding a comprehensive and intensified military operation across the entire Gaza Strip to decisively defeat Hamas, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Among the signatories are five brigadier-generals, 16 colonels, and more than 300 other officers, including former Southern Command planner Brig.-Gen. (res.) Erez Viner. The group contends that the current phased approach to the conflict has failed to pressure Hamas into meaningful concessions, including the release of hostages.

Citing the minimal progress since hostilities resumed in mid-March, the reservists noted that fewer than 500 Hamas fighters have been killed in the past month—a stark contrast to the 20,000 reported before the January ceasefire. They argue that only a simultaneous, high-intensity invasion backed by significant firepower can bring about Hamas’s defeat.

The reservist forum emphasized that their call stems from national security concerns—not ideological or religious motivations, distancing themselves from figures like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who supports a Gaza reoccupation.

While they acknowledge ongoing hostage negotiations, the group urged Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir to set a clear deadline for diplomacy, warning that prolonging the current strategy risks trapping reservists in an “endless war.” They cautioned that any temporary resolution that leaves Hamas armed could lead to future hostage crises.

Despite growing frustration, Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appears to be favoring continued negotiations over immediate military escalation. However, this view seemed to be countered late Thursday when Zamir said, according to an official IDF statement, “If we do not see progress in the return of the hostages, we will expand our activity into a more intense and significant operation.”

🚨 IDF Chief of Staff Zamir assessing the situation in the Gaza Strip on Holocaust Remembrance Day: “If and shortly we do not see progress in returning the hostages – we will expand our activity to an even more significant and far-reaching move.” pic.twitter.com/kQC6wzkvI1

— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) April 24, 2025