Zamir says he "urges all parts of Israeli society to participate in the mitzvah (religious commandment) of defense of the homeland. This is a shared responsibility."

"The IDF is the army of the people. Facing external threats, we must have cohesion of the ranks. We will work to expand the ranks. The defensive missions must be divided," he says.

Addressing the families of hostages still held by the Islamic terrorist organization Hamas, Zamir says "Your loved ones are in front of my eyes. Our moral duty is clear, return everyone home, in any way possible and as quickly as possible." 

"We will do everything to safely return residents in the south and north to their homes," he adds.

Image - GPO