IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi conducted a situational assessment at the Southern Command, stating: "We are in an operation to remove an existential threat to the State of Israel, the biggest threat to us. This is the IDF's main effort. We are striking Iran's nuclear program and its value chain. Striking Iran means striking the axis, which ultimately reaches here - to Hamas." Halevi added: "We do not forget for a moment our mission here - returning our hostages and defeating Hamas."