IDF: IDF Chief of the General Staff on the 21 soldiers killed in action: “They fell during a mission whose aim was to enable the safe return of the residents of southern Israel to their homes. We grieve this loss; we will learn the necessary lessons.”
Earlier today (Tuesday), the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, conducted a preliminary examination at the location in the Gaza Strip where 21 IDF soldiers were killed in action yesterday.
Attached is a statement by Chief of the General Staff: https://bit.ly/47RRby1
Attached is a video of the Chief of the General Staff and additional IDF commanders at the location: https://bit.ly/48JBUAS
Attached are related photos: https://idfanc.activetrail.biz/ANC947
Below is the full written statement by the Chief of the General Staff:
“This morning, the State of Israel woke up to a difficult and painful announcement: 21 casualties. The finest of this country’s sons, who volunteered to defend our home and paid the ultimate price. We share in the sorrow of their families for the heavy loss and know that the pain is unbearable.
If this provides any consolation, I want the families to know – they fell in battle near the border fence during a defensive operation in the area separating the Israeli communities from Gaza. The sole purpose of this mission is to create the security conditions for the safe return of the residents of the Gaza Strip to their homes. For this purpose, we went to war, a war that began with a cruel attempt to end lives, and we are more determined than ever to restore life here.
I have just returned from the location where the soldiers fell and met with the commanders. I heard preliminary insights and initial lessons. We, as always, will thoroughly investigate the event and learn the lessons, even during combat, so that such an event is not repeated.
Today, we mourn the loss of 21 soldiers – all of them reservists deserving immense respect and appreciation from the entire state – for volunteering, for their determination, and for their infinite readiness [to serve]. They began their service together in the Givati Brigade and continued in the reserves. They come from all parts of Israeli society and from across the State of Israel – they are a role model and an example for us all. None are dearer to us than them. We bow our heads but stand tall in the face of the continued fight and the defense of our home. We are still fighting.
The war will be long, and many challenges await us. We are refreshing the forces and changing combat methods, knowing that we will again call upon the reservists after they have rested. We are attentive to all the reservists, embracing and appreciating them all. Given the overall mission, we remain focused – for the security of the civilians of the State of Israel.
On this difficult day, it is important to mention that we have been fighting for 108 consecutive days and are not forgetting October 7th, not forgetting why we went to war. Throughout the past day, we have been expanding our operations in Khan Yunis, accumulating additional successes, and simultaneously continuing to fight in the northern Gaza Strip and deepening our achievements. We are eliminating and striking many terrorists and commanders – Hamas murderers against whom we will continue to operate with great determination.
On this day, we feel the great and painful cost of war, but that which we are fighting is necessary and justified. We will continue to fight for our clear right to live here securely.”
IDF: Earlier today, IAF fighter jets completed a series of strikes on terror targets in Lebanon, including a military asset used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization and operated by Iranian forces. Additionally, a military compound in which Hezbollah terrorists operated was also struck. Throughout the day, IDF soldiers struck in several additional areas in Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s military activity south of the Litani River in Lebanon, including the use and storage of armaments, is a clear violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The IDF will continue to defend Israel’s borders from any threat.
IDF: IDF operations in the Gaza Strip against terrorist operatives and infrastructure are continuing
IDF troops are continuing to intensify operations against Hamas in the area of the Khan Yunis Camp. The troops have killed numerous terrorist cells with sniper, tank and aerial fire. The IAF is assisting IDF ground troops to thwart imminent threats and strike terrorist infrastructure.
Furthermore, over the past day, IDF troops conducted targeted raids against terror targets in the area and engaged with numerous terrorists. Terrorist cells that planned to carry out anti-tank fire on the forces were also thwarted.
Directed by IDF troops, an IDF aircraft killed an armed terrorist cell and an additional terrorist cell that concealed itself while observing the forces.
In addition, IDF troops conducted targeted raids in the Khan Yunis area, where weapons were located and terrorists were killed. In a series of operations, IDF troops killed numerous terrorists.
In the central Gaza Strip, IDF troops identified an armed enemy spotter that planned to fire at the forces from within a compound. The forces responded with fire at the terrorist and killed him.
In the northern Gaza Strip, over the past day, IAF aircraft killed numerous terrorists with the direction of IDF ground troops.
Attached is a video of the elimination of an enemy spotter preparing to attack IDF forces: https://bit.ly/3u6KURn
Attached is a video of IAF strikes against terrorists and assistance to IDF ground troops in Khan Yunis: https://bit.ly/493cXzT
Attached are photos of IDF activity in the Gaza Strip: https://IDFANC.activetrail.biz/ANC24120249208
IDF: Operations on major terrorist targets and the elimination of dozens of terrorists: the Givati Brigade combat team continues operations in the heart of Khan Yunis
In the last few days the Givati Brigade combat team has been operating in the Khan Yunis area. During the operations carried out by the soldiers, the combat team led the activity to encircle the area.
The soldiers of the brigade eliminated terrorists during encounters, by tank fire, and with the help of fire and air forces. In addition, with intelligence guidance, the soldiers operated on Hamas posts in the area. During the searches, a stockpile of weapons including AK-47s, RPG missiles, cartridges, grenades, uniforms and vests was located.
The activity of the soldiers is accompanied by preliminary fire strikes from the air on terrorist infrastructure in the area. These precise strikes prepare the conditions in the field for the ground forces. In one of the activities, the Brigade’s Fire Array detected three armed terrorists exiting a building and approaching IDF soldiers. The array directed an aircraft that fired at terrorists, resulting in their elimination.
Attached is footage of the operations of the Givati Brigade Combat Team: https://bit.ly/3vOSOzv
Attached is footage of the finding of weapons in the Khan Yunis area: https://bit.ly/3UetpcI
Attached is footage of the elimination of armed terrorists as they approached IDF soldiers: https://bit.ly/3Sw7MmX
Attached are related photos: https://idfanc.activetrail.biz/ANCGivati240124
