Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi
Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit
IDF chief: Operation's objectives met in full
Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi sends epistle to fighting forces, commends their actions during Operation Cast Lead, says Hamas suffered massive blow, security realities in southern Israel changed
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi said Sunday that "Operation Cast Lead's objectives have been met in full."
"The IDF will hold its fire after 22 days of fighting, following the government's decision," wrote Ashkenazi in his order of the day, distributed to all IDF forces.
Ceasefire
Infantrymen leaving Gaza pursuant to Saturday's cabinet decision think cessation of operation too hasty, say IDF could have and should have crushed Hamas will to shoot rockets at Israel
"The IDF is realigning its forces to monitor any new development and to maximize its achievements."
Nevertheless, stressed Ashkenazi, the operation has not come to its end: "The next few days require us to remain vigilant, alert and ready, until peace and quiet are restored to our cities and the conditions to ensure our security interests in the south are created."
The operation, he continued, "came about after years of restraint… we seek life and we do not sanctify death, nor are we oblivious to the suffering of the civilian population. Our war is not with the residents of the Gaza Strip. Our enemies are Hamas and the terror elements which have turned their own people into human shields, firing from schools, mosques and hospitals.
"Hamas is the one responsible for the suffering of its people and for the devastation they have suffered."
"My brother warriors," he concluded, "it was your operational capabilities, tenacity, execution, courage and spirit which enabled these impressive achievements. The entire people of Israel are grateful and they know they have some one to count on.
"We have lost some of our best soldiers and commanders in the fight. We mourn their loss and treasure their memory. Their exemplary fighting is the testament which we will live by. We embrace their families and we pray for the speedy recovery of all those who were wounded."
