Tel Aviv ‘pays heavy price’ in Gaza, says Israel’s top military official

Isreal’s Army Chief Herzi Halevi highlights the extensive operations conducted by the Israeli military across various fronts over the past 150 days

Israel’s top military official stated Wednesday that the country has endured significant losses in its conflict with Gaza as reported by local media. 

During a graduation event for naval officers in Haifa, Herzi Halevi, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, highlighted the extensive operations conducted by the Israeli military across various fronts over the past 150 days.  

“The Israeli army has been operating at sea, on land, and in the air for over 150 days on several fronts, achieving significant accomplishments every day toward meeting the goals of the war,” Halevi said. 

But “alongside the many achievements in the war, we paid heavy prices and lost commanders and troops,” he added.  

Halevi pointed out that “control of the maritime dimension is necessary for Israel’s security, starting with the security of waters in its exclusive economic zone, protecting strategic assets and damaging the enemy’s maritime infrastructure, elements and capabilities in nearby and distant arenas.” 

He added, “Often, the naval force is combined with the activities of ground and air forces, enabling the Israeli army to carry out complex operations.” 

“The joint integration between these branches enhances the qualitative advantage of the Israeli army,” Halevi said.

He noted that “the importance of training in times of war is multiplied compared to ordinary times.” 

The Israeli army has reported the loss of 586 officers and soldiers since the commencement of the Gaza conflict on October 7, with 246 fatalities occurring during the ground offensive that began on Oct. 27.

The prolonged military campaign, now in its 152nd day, has resulted in significant casualties among Palestinians, widespread destruction, and severe shortages of essential supplies in Gaza. 

The blockade imposed by Israel has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leading to a dire situation where a large portion of the population faces displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to crucial resources.

The U.N. has documented extensive damage to the enclave’s infrastructure, further exacerbating the already dire conditions faced by its residents. 

Israel’s actions in Gaza have drawn international condemnation, with accusations of genocide leveled against Tel Aviv at the International Court of Justice.

A recent interim ruling has called for an end to genocidal activities and the provision of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza. 

Source: AA