War with Hamas in Gaza Strip expected to last for months
IDF comments on the duration of the war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip (photo: Getty Images)
The military operation against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip is likely to continue for several more months, states the Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi.
"The war will go on for many months and we will employ different methods to maintain our achievements for a long time," said he in a conversation with journalists.
A representative of the IDF noted that there are no magic solutions or shortcuts to eliminate the terrorist organization but emphasized the need for decisive and persistent struggle.
He added that neutralizing the leaders of Hamas might occur either within a week or months.
Halevi also pointed out that the Israeli side had stated from the beginning of the campaign that this would be a long war. According to him, the duration will allow the military to adapt its methods.
"Ultimately, will we be able to say that there is no enemy surrounding the state of Israel? I think that's too ambitious, but we will create a new security situation," Halevi said.
Israel-Hamas war
On October 7, Hamas militants launched a large-scale infiltration into Israel. Shortly after, the IDF initiated Operation Iron Swords.
A temporary ceasefire for the release of prisoners commenced between Israel and Hamas on November 24. However, on December 1, Israel claimed that hostilities resumed due to Hamas violating the ceasefire terms.
In mid-December, the White House expressed the desire for the conflict between Israel and Hamas to end as soon as possible. On the same day, Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, stated that the war would last for more than a few months.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, international pressure will not halt the war against Hamas.
