IDF Southern Command Chief Rejects Film's Claims on Gaza Civilian Deaths

Major General Yניב עשור, commander of the IDF's Southern Command, has strongly refuted claims made in a film that won an award at the Venice Film Festival, which alleges systematic killing of civilians in Gaza. Speaking at a ceremony marking the start of the Hebrew year in the Eshkol Regional Council, עשור stated that the IDF "will present facts against false claims" and emphasized that "approvals for strikes are made solely by human factors."

Addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the aftermath of the October 7th attacks, עשור acknowledged the "terrible break" and "immense disaster" of that day, assuring residents that Israel has "risen from the debris" and is fighting Hamas, which he described as "darkness and evil."

He highlighted the moral complexity of fighting Hamas, noting that the organization "grew up within a radical and murderous Islamic culture" and operates "in the heart of a supportive, sympathetic, and identifying population," cynically using civilians as human shields. The IDF, he asserted, "insists on distinguishing between an enemy and uninvolved individuals."

Responding to the film's portrayal of the IDF, עשור said, "Those who speak ill of us seek to harm our name in the world... they will not succeed." He stressed the importance of self-examination, stating, "When a failure is discovered among us, we will investigate, learn, and correct. Faith in the righteousness of our path requires this of us as well." He also detailed ongoing operations in Gaza, including targeting Hamas's tunnel network and production infrastructure to prevent its rearmament.

Concluding his remarks, עשור pledged to the residents of the western Negev that the army's mission is to ensure their safety, enabling them to live, work, and thrive, fulfilling the purpose for which they are fighting: "Never again."