Israel: IDF chief Halevi vows to bring back hostages amid increased military preparedness on all fronts

Halevi stressed that the holidays are incomplete without the hostages, and stressed the IDF's determination to repatriate them from Gaza.

In a post on Twitter, the IDF said, “IDF soldiers will celebrate the holiday in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Judea, Samaria and on all borders, with strengthened forces and increased readiness. “We are fighting, and we know that these holidays are not complete without hostages.”

Iran fired about 200 missiles at Israel on Tuesday, targeting civilian areas and putting people's lives in danger. Damage was relatively minimal due to proper civilian response and advanced security. “We will respond; “We know how to identify critical targets and attack with precision and power,” Halevi said in his statement.

“Before the holidays started I visited Tel Nof airbase. The base is fully operational, has not stopped working even for a moment and keeps attacking wherever it is needed. We have the ability to reach and attack any point in the Middle East. Our enemies who have not yet understood this will soon understand.”

On the eve of the holiday, the IDF is attacking on all fronts. The statement said IDF troops will observe the holiday with reinforced forces and increased preparedness in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Judea, Samaria and all border areas.

“We are fighting, and we know that these holidays are not complete without hostages. We are committed to making every possible effort to bring them back.”

“We mourn for those killed, and I want to embrace their families and the wounded, who are paying a heavy price for this war. May we all have a much better year ahead,” the statement concluded.