IDF chief: ‘Consequential crossroads’ in war against Hamas

“We are in a unique reality, in a period of historic war,” said Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.

JNS Staff

(JNS)

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Tuesday toured the Gaza Strip, praising troops for their performance in Operation Gideon’s Chariots II.

During the visit, Zamir briefed commanders on the framework for combat in the coming days, stressing the need to sustain high-intensity operations, strengthen defensive support for forces in the field and maintain vigilance and readiness.

“We are in a unique reality, in a period of historic war and at a consequential crossroads,” he said. “The bravery of our soldiers and commanders across all arenas, and in Gaza in particular, is creating new opportunities and bringing us closer to achieving the war’s objectives.”

Zamir reaffirmed that the IDF’s goals remain the return of the hostages and the decisive defeat of Hamas through intensified strikes against the terror group’s capabilities.

“I am very impressed by your activity in the Gaza Strip. I have deep appreciation for you and for the troops,” he added. “We must maintain ironclad focus and patience as the war’s next developments unfold. We will continue to preserve readiness and vigilance, secure our defensive lines and operate offensively to ensure Israel’s security.”

The IDF on Tuesday announced the Sept. 9 elimination of Muhammad Rashid Muhammad Masri, a Hamas Nukhba company commander in the Beit Hanoun Battalion.

Masri participated in the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre, infiltrating Israeli territory, and later took part in the April 19, 2025, Beit Hanoun attack that killed Warrant Officer G’haleb Sliman Alnasasra and seriously wounded three other soldiers.

According to the IDF, Masri continued throughout the war to advance attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.

Image: Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir meets with troops in the Gaza Strip, Sept. 30, 2025. Credit: IDF.