The Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi. Archive Photo: IDF Spokesperson IDF Spokesperson

More Articles Two Israelis Injured in Stabbing near Hebron 83% of the Druze Community Joins the IDF IDF to Follow McKinsey and Co.'s Recommendations for Efficiency In Response to Rocket Fire, IAF Strikes Terrorist Sites in the Gaza Strip Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi Meets with Leaders of the Bedouin Community Redesigned Combat Intelligence Collection Corps Aims High All Articles

“The results of Operation Cast Lead are that Hamas was hit very hard and has been deterring and restraining, and avoiding gunfire,” the Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, said on Tuesday (Nov. 24) during his visit to a high school in Sderot. “The intolerable reality in Sderot has changed altogether, but the shooting did not stop completely and if it does not stop and we’ll be forced to act – we will act. We will not go through these years again and the IDF will handle it with every option.”

Regarding Israel’s northern border, the Chief of the General Staff said: “As far as I am concerned, I see no signs for an escalation in the North, but we need to prepare also for other situations. For three years, not one bullet was shot and we are enjoying peace at the northern border, and with all the criticism on the Second Lebanon War, it managed to achieve quietness and return the deterrence in the north.” The Chief of the General Staff also noted that the IDF is equipped with new capabilities and said: “If required, we will act without hesitation.” 

Regarding the reports on recent developments dealing with the release of the captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi said: “As commander of the army, and as someone who sent soldier Gilad Shalit on his mission, I am telling you that we will make every effort to bring Gilad home. The mission in not completed until we return him home.”

The Chief of the General Staff also spoke about IDF activities during Operation Cast Lead, and said that: “The Goldstone report is not objective, and we cannot permit Hamas or Hezbollah to shoot from with in civilian populations without us being able to defend them.” Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi added that regardless of the report, the IDF investigated itself at the end of the operation in order to test the righteousness of arms of the troops, and did not find one case where a soldier intentionally aimed his weapon at an innocent civilian.

The Chief of the General Staff was also asked about the incident of insubordination by soldiers from the Nachshon and Shimshon battalions, and said: “The IDF cannot tolerate or be patient towards any sort of insubordination – from every aspect. The moment soldiers put on their uniforms, they have no political stand except once in four years [on election day], and I believe this is a threat to the existence of the army.”