IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir threatened Hamas leaders abroad, saying, "We will reach them too," after the military's confirmation on Sunday that Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida had been killed in a Gaza strike.
Zamir addressed concerns about Hamas leaders who have been able to operate from luxury apartments in foreign cities like Tehran, Damascus, and Beirut despite Israel's declaration to target them.
“Hamas leaders are managing negotiations and campaigns against Israel from luxury apartments and five-star hotels, instead of constantly worrying about their personal survival,” a senior officer remarked to Maariv, frustrated with the Mossad’s current role in pursuing Hamas leaders abroad.
Zamir highlighted the recent killing of Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida and assured that the IDF’s operations would continue to be proactive.
"We will continue to operate offensively with initiative and operational superiority across all theaters at all times," he stressed, addressing the criticism and signaling that the pursuit of Hamas leadership both in Israel and abroad remains a critical priority. “We surprise, initiate, and will reach every target to ensure the security of Israel’s citizens.”
“In recent days, in a special operation, the bodies of Idan Shtivi and Ilan Weiss, may their memory be a blessing, were returned,” Zamir said, addressing the return of the two Israeli hostages over the weekend, “Since the beginning of 'Operation Gideon's Chariots' in March of this year, the remains of ten hostages have been returned, in addition to Edan Alexander.”
“We will continue to work resolutely to return them and will spare no effort; this is our moral mission."
Security of Israeli citizens
With the start of the new school year, Zamir conveyed a message of reassurance to residents of northern Israel. "The return to school is made possible thanks to the actions and achievements of our forces since the war began, actions that continue even now. Northern Command continues to target and destroy emerging threats,” he said.
Zamir further emphasized that Israel's fight against Hamas in Gaza continues as reserve soldiers prepare to return to the battlefield in the coming days. "The mission is not yet over," he concluded. "Our achievements are thanks to their readiness to step up time and again for the security of Israel."
As the IDF continues to lead offensives on multiple fronts, including striking Hamas leadership both in Gaza and abroad, the security of Israeli citizens remains the driving force behind these ongoing military operations.