Chief of Staff Zamir in his first public statement since taking office, from the Gaza Strip border:
On the question of public consensus regarding the continuation of the fighting and the expansion of the campaign, the Chief of Staff says:
"We are facing a complex and not simple period, but at the end of it a better period will come. I will lead the campaign in accordance with only one consideration - the security of the State of Israel and the protection of our citizens. I appeal to everyone: This is the time to support and unite around IDF soldiers, in order to achieve the goals of the war."
"Hamas has been defeated - but the campaign has not yet been decided. Hamas will pay the price for its refusal, it will encounter firepower. We will expand the maneuver, conquer additional territories, cleanse and destroy the terror infrastructure until it is defeated."