Hagari related that following a situational assessment, the soldiers looked Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi in the eye and said, "We are determined. We are determined to fight. We are in control of every battle and in every battle we have the upper hand. We will continue to advance the fight in order to dismantle Hamas and to accomplish the goals of the war."
Hagari added, "Tonight, the IDF soldiers will continue with their divisional operations, along with the Air Force. The divisional commanders on the battlefield emphasized to the Chief of Staff the importance of the Air Force, and how the Air Force strengthened the IDF forces on the ground. The Air Forces helps to ensure the protection of the infantry, in addition to its actions to strike the enemy and accomplish missions that are independent of the ground forces. We will continue to progress toward our objectives in the Gaza Strip tonight, and in the days to come."
"In the north, IDF troops struck a series of Hezbollah terror targets in Southern Lebanon. This is in response to Hezbollah firing against IDF border positions. IDF aircraft, tanks and artillery were involved and struck a military command center, rocket storehouses, and military compounds belonging to Hezbollah.
"Hezbollah, which claims to be 'A Shield of Lebanon,' continues to portray itself as such, but it actually serves as a 'Shield of Hamas-ISIS,' as it places the civilians of southern Lebanon in danger," he emphasized.
"As in the Gaza Strip, we will not allow Hezbollah terrorists who are firing at us, to reap the benefits of using the south Lebanese population as human shields, as they embed themselves in urban infrastructure. We will strike the exact location from which attacks are fired towards us. We will continue to respond and to strike immediately. We are highly prepared in the north, both offensively and defensively."
Regarding the hostages held by Hamas, Hagari said that the number has remained stable at 241, adding, "We continue in our intelligence efforts - both civilian and military. This includes the IDF, the ISA and also the Mossad."
"We are all working together in a mighty effort - military, intelligence and civilian - everywhere, including everywhere in the Middle East, in order to bring the hostages home."
Thus far, 345 IDF soldiers have fallen since the start of the war with Hamas on October 7, he said. "Our hearts are with the families and we will continue to accompany them."
"This evening, we published the radio communications from the 53rd Battalion and the 13th Battalion. On that night, the commander of the 53rd Battalion, Lt. Col. Salman Habka, was killed at the front of his force, fighting valiantly. Salman heard a force from the 13th Battalion requesting assisting fire on the radio. He charged straight towards the enemy in his tank, leading his battalion to provide assisting fire to other soldiers, and fell in the battle. This is true brotherhood. This is the IDF spirit. This is how our soldiers fight and will continue to fight valiantly."
