BG Cohen’s Message to Soldiers Prior Gaza Ground Operations: “The eyes of the whole world are looking at us, the people of Israel trust us and stand behind us”

Commanding Officer of the 162nd Division, BG Itzik Cohen, to IDF soldiers on ground operations in Gaza:

“Hoshen stations, this is Commander, on Saturday morning, October 7, holiday of Simchat Torah, the vile enemy launched a murderous and heinous terrorist attack against children, women, men and the elderly.

We did not choose this battle, the enemy wanted it, the enemy started it. The eyes of the whole world are looking at us, the people of Israel trust us and stand behind us. Tonight, many troops of the 162nd Division and the Southern Command went out to destroy the hand that reached to strangle our necks. We will strike our enemies with a clenched fist with steel-like strength. There is no task we cannot do, there is no terrorist we will not strike. I am committed to be by your side on the battlefield, shoulder to shoulder, we will not return home until we have fully completed our mission.

Hoshen stations, this is Commander, it is our time to strike, One, Two, listen for orders. One, Two, do you copy? Here is one, copy. Two, commander. Here is two. One two this is the commander. I wish you good luck, I trust you, you have permission to cross the border, move to your mission. Attack. Attack. Over.”