IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi (center) is seen at Southern Command in Beersheba.(Israel Defense Forces)
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said on November 26 that Israel will return to fighting the Hamas Movement “with determination” once the temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip ends.
“The IDF and its soldiers fight fiercely to protect the lives of our people while upholding the values of the IDF. We created conditions for the framework of the release of the first group of hostage children and mothers [that is taking place] during this pause” in the fighting, Halevi said in an official letter to Israeli troops.
“When the framework is completed, we will return to our operations with determination, for the continued release of the hostages and the complete dismantlement of Hamas,” the IDF’s Chief of Staff added.
Hamas released a total of 26 Israeli citizens, all women and children, in addition to 15 Thai and Filipino nationals on the first and second day of the four-day ceasefire. In exchange, Israel freed 78 Palestinian women and children from its prisons.
Egyptian officials said on November 25 that the ceasefire in Gaza could be extended for a one or two days to enable the release of more Israeli hostages.
Citing the officials, Israel’s Kan public broadcaster said that there were “positive signs” that the temporary ceasefire could be extended.
However, a senior official involved in the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas called reports regarding the extension of the ongoing truce in Gaza “ridiculous” and “false.” The official told The Times of Israel that it’s highly unlikely any deal extending the temporary ceasefire beyond four days will be finalized more than a day or even hours ahead of time.
During the ceasefire, Hamas is supposed to release only 50 out of more than 240 Israeli who were taken hostages during the October 7 surprise attack on Israel. In exchange for their release, some 150 Palestinians prisoners will be freed from Israeli jails.
The remarks of Herzi and other Israeli officials were likely meant to pressure Hamas into accepting the extension of the ceasefire under terms that are more favorable for Israel. In the end, talks with the movement remain the only realistic option for freeing the hostages.
