IDF Chief of Staff, General Herzi Halevi, confirmed in a video statement today, Saturday, that in order to defeat Hamas and bring back the hostages held by the group, Israel must carry out a large ground attack in the Gaza Strip.

Halevi added, referring to the expanded ground operations in Gaza, "Three weeks have passed since the war began, this war has phases, and today we have moved to a new phase."

He continued, "Our forces are currently conducting ground operations in the Gaza Strip, and are working to achieve all the war's objectives: dismantling Hamas, securing the border, and making every effort to bring all the hostages home," "The objectives of the war require a ground assault. There are no achievements without risks, and there is no victory without paying the price."

Halevi pointed out, “In order to expose and destroy the enemy, there is no other way but to enter his territory with great force,” adding that the ground operations “serve all the objectives of the war.”

He added that bringing back the hostages is a "national effort of utmost importance," emphasizing "Hamas is currently holding innocent children, women, men, and the elderly," "We will do everything to succeed in this effort."

Halevi added, according to the "Times of Israel," "We have set clear objectives, and the road will be long... we will fight with determination, and we will triumph."