IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, published a letter to service members summarizing the achievements of the defense establishment in Operation "Courageous Nation," writing: "I am proud of the combination of strength, wisdom and Israeli spirit that were revealed at their best. The operation has ended but the campaign is not yet over, the power in our hands is tremendous and we will continue to act with humility, caution and responsibility. In our hearts and before our eyes stands our moral duty to bring the hostages home."