The War in Gaza: Unprecedented Complexities and Challenges for the Israeli Army

The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army, Eyal Zamir, has acknowledged that the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip is one of the most complex campaigns the army has ever fought. While emphasizing the heavy price being paid in this battle, he affirmed the army's determination to press forward to achieve its objectives.

Zamir's statements were made during a multi-scenario strategic assessment meeting, attended by members of the General Staff Forum and the Operational Staff Forum. Zamir noted that "the campaign in Gaza is one of the most complex campaigns the Israeli Army has ever known." He added, "We have achieved great accomplishments, and the Southern Command continues to lead with regular and reserve brigades operating daily in offense and defense." Zamir did not conceal the human and material cost of the war, stressing: "We are paying a heavy price in the fighting, but we will continue to work to achieve our goals: the return of the captives and the collapse of Hamas."

In a related context, the Israeli Army announced that investigations into the conduct of the war and the ground maneuver in the Gaza Strip will soon begin to draw lessons learned. Zamir explained that the army is working on multiple fronts, stating: "We are working on several axes; we will continue to weaken and prevent strategic capabilities from Syria and Hezbollah, and maintain our freedom of action. We are operating in the West Bank, and we continue to combat terrorism continuously."

The Chief of Staff emphasized the necessity for the Israeli Army to be prepared to continue "a broad and comprehensive campaign amidst a complex and difficult reality that requires action in multiple areas." He indicated that "the Israeli Army is required to operate offensively in several arenas, in addition to basic defense in the arenas and on the borders." In this regard, Zamir stressed the paramount importance of the air force and intelligence efforts, noting that Israel "will continue to maintain air superiority and continuous intelligence efforts."

Zamir's remarks were not limited to nearby fronts but extended to include Tehran, where he vowed: "Iran and the axis are before our eyes; the campaign against Iran is not over yet." This statement reflects the broadening scope of challenges facing the Israeli Army and the multiplicity of fronts it must deal with.