IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir convened a senior operational forum on Monday, declaring that the military remains prepared for a rapid return to high-intensity combat even as diplomatic negotiations move forward on Israel’s main fronts.
The forum was attended by the IDF’s senior command and operational commanders at the rank of lieutenant colonel and above and included a multi-front operational and intelligence assessment.
Commanders reviewed developments in the fighting, presented case studies and discussed lessons learned from IDF operations across the various arenas, as well as plans for continued operations.
“We are in a significant period and at a strategic crossroads," Zamir told the commanders. “The IDF is a fighting military, and we are engaged in a major, prolonged, multi-front operation."
“Our mission is to shape the reality rather than be driven by it, through tactical and operational initiative."
Zamir noted that diplomatic negotiations are currently underway concerning all of Israel’s principal fronts, and said those talks were made possible by the IDF’s military achievements.
“Diplomatic negotiations are currently underway across all of the main arenas - all of these are the result of the IDF’s historic achievements," he said. “We must ensure that we fully capitalize on and maximize the achievements of the operations."
“We are well prepared in defense, while maintaining immediate readiness and preparedness to return to high-intensity combat."
The Chief of Staff said the military is carrying out a systematic and structured operational plan intended to achieve victory.
“Since the October 7th massacre, the IDF has proven itself to be a victorious military with a spirit of strength - an operational and proactive military," Zamir said.
He credited commanders and troops throughout the military for changing Israel’s security reality.
“The achievements we have made across all arenas are first and foremost your achievements - the commanders and troops on land, at sea, and in the air, and the personnel in intelligence, communications, logistics, and administration," he said.
“Together, you led the IDF to significant achievements and changed the security reality."
Addressing the IDF’s current posture, Zamir described the military as being in an “interim period," while stressing that forces must remain vigilant against threats on every front.
“The IDF, across all of its units, is in an interim period. We remain vigilant and prepared for all challenges," he said. “We will keep our ranks united and cohesive in the face of all the threats before us."
“This is a critical period for the security of the State of Israel, and we will act responsibly accordingly."
Zamir acknowledged the need to provide troops with opportunities to recuperate following prolonged combat, but warned that this could not come at the expense of operational readiness.
“Alongside the desire to allow the troops time to recuperate, we must not lose our vigilance," he said.
“We are required to maintain a high level of readiness, be prepared for a rapid return to high-intensity combat, respond quickly to any development, and continue to defend our civilians."
“Our challenge now is not only to preserve our achievements, but to continue shaping the reality, build our capabilities, and ensure that the IDF is prepared for every scenario."
During the forum, Zamir hosted US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, who addressed the senior IDF commanders and reviewed the strategic partnership between the Israeli and American militaries.
Cooper said the relationship between the two militaries had repeatedly demonstrated its importance during operations and described the partnership as historic and founded on trust, commitment and close cooperation.
According to the IDF, the CENTCOM commander stressed that the military relationship constitutes a significant element in strengthening security and stability throughout the region.
Zamir thanked Cooper for the close cooperation between the two militaries and presented him with a token of appreciation recognizing the partnership.
The Chief of Staff described cooperation with the US military as “unprecedented" and said it serves as a “strategic anchor" for Israel.