Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, IDF Chief of Staff, announced on August 17, 2025, the upcoming phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, aimed at further crippling Hamas in Gaza City until its defeat. Zamir stated the operation has achieved its goals, significantly weakening Hamas’s pre-operation capabilities (post:0–5). Part of a broader strategy targeting Iran and its allies, the campaign seeks to ensure security for Gaza envelope residents and all Israelis. Zamir emphasized the IDF’s moral duty to return hostages, both alive and deceased, praising the troops’ nearly two-year effort.

Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-816239 (post:3); X posts by @Osint613 (post:0, post:2, post:3), @israelnewspulse (post:5), @CarmeliBarak (post:7).