“If required, we must be prepared for a rapid transition to a broad offensive to seize additional areas beyond the yellow line.”
By The IDF Club
The IDF continues to apply steady pressure on Hamas as violations of the ceasefire mount. During an operational tour in Gaza on Sunday, Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir met with commanders, reviewed field readiness, and warned that the military must be prepared for a rapid escalation if required.
Zamir toured the Rafah sector and received updates on developments across multiple fronts, focusing on threat removal, defensive measures, and the ongoing effort to maintain immediate readiness for a return to wide-scale combat.
“In Gaza we control more than fifty percent of the territory, without governing the population,” Zamir said. “The yellow line is a belt of encirclement and control, and we continue working to prevent Hamas from rebuilding by holding the dominant terrain and the gateways to Gaza.”
He stressed that the military must remain ready to expand operations quickly if Hamas forces the situation: “If required, we must be prepared for a rapid transition to a broad offensive to seize additional areas beyond the yellow line. Our forces are operating continuously to clear the zone and eliminate enemy pockets. Southern Command will continue dismantling terrorists and underground infrastructure while keeping our soldiers safe.”
Zamir reiterated Israel’s strategic objective: “We will not allow Hamas rule to persist on the other side of the border. Even if it takes time, we will persist in dismantling Hamas and demilitarizing the Strip, whether through an agreement or through military action.”
He also addressed the ongoing internal investigations into the failures of October 7. “I established the expert committee out of full commitment to the truth and the need for a deep learning process,” he said. “We owe this to the IDF. We will not fear the consequences. The events of October 7 will be remembered forever, but so will the significant achievements in every sector.”
Intelligence assessments show Hamas maintaining de facto control of Gaza, continuing recruitment, and stockpiling weapons for future conflict. Officials warn that if this trajectory continues, Israel may have no choice but to return to large-scale combat to prevent Hamas from reconstituting its military infrastructure.
At the same time, recent reports suggest the Trump administration may drop its demand that Hamas disarm as a condition for advancing the next phase of the ceasefire agreement, a development Israeli officials view with concern.
