As part of the military operation, the IDF is "turning over every stone to bring the hostages home," said spokesman Brig. Gen. Ephraim "Effie" Defrin.
(Sept. 4, 2025 / JNS) The Israel Defense Forces said on Wednesday night that it now controls roughly 40% of Gaza City after intensifying its ground offensive against Hamas.
Brig. Gen. Ephraim “Effie” Defrin, the IDF spokesperson, told reporters forces were pressing deeper into the enclave as part of the second phase of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots.” He said tens of thousands of reservists had been mobilized as a “force multiplier” to expand the ground assault.
Units from the 99th Division, including Nahal and 7th Armored Brigade soldiers, are deployed to Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, while the 162nd Division, including the 401st Armored Brigade and the Givati Brigade, is operating on the outskirts of Sheikh Radwan in its north.