IDF Chief Vows to Prevent Enemy Strengthening in Gaza, Rejects Return to October 6 Conditions

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir conducted a field visit in the Gaza Strip on August 25, 2026, reaffirming Israel's ongoing military readiness across all fronts. Zamir emphasized that the conflict is far from over, highlighting the continuous multi-front challenges Israel faces, including Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. During the visit, he met with commanders from the Southern Command and Gaza Division to review operational status and troop activities.

Zamir expressed deep appreciation for the soldiers defending Israeli citizens and reiterated the commitment to pursuing those responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks, stating that all perpetrators will be relentlessly hunted until eliminated. He underscored that the IDF will not allow enemies to grow stronger and firmly rejected any return to the security situation before October 6, 2023.

Addressing pressures to withdraw from Gaza and the progress of the Peace Council, Zamir declared that Israel remains committed to the ultimate goal of demilitarizing Gaza and dismantling Hamas's military capabilities by all necessary means. The IDF continues systematic operations to weaken Hamas and prevent its resurgence.

Simultaneously, the Peace Council conveyed to N12 that all terrorist activities from Gaza, including kite terrorism, must cease. They stressed that Israel must also adhere to ceasefire conditions, with military actions limited to responses against immediate and real threats.