Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson BG Effie Defrin-July 17, 2025

Good evening, I would like to update you on the events of the past week and explain our progress toward the objectives across all arenas.

I'll begin with the Gaza Strip, the primary arena. We are committed to the objectives of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots”, as defined and approved by the political echelon.

Troops of the Southern Command are encircling Gaza City as well as the central camps area and Al-Mawasi. Our troops are holding the area and ensuring that no threat emerges from these areas that endanger the residents of the western Negev.

In the areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah, Jabaliya, Shuja'iyya, Beit Hanoun, and others:

We have evacuated the civilian population for their protection. We are holding the area, dismantling terrorist infrastructure and eliminating terrorists, all in order to ensure that Hamas cannot return to these areas.

We are deepening our operations both underground and above ground, in a systematic and consistent manner according to a structured plan.

In recent weeks, we have intensified activity in the Beit Hanoun area, in order to bring about the defeat of the Hamas battalion operating there.

Troops from the 162nd Division and the 99th Division continue to operate in the area.

Yesterday I visited the troops of the 162nd Division, they are operating in the Beit Hanoun area. I met determined and courageous soldiers, led by their commanders.

In the video on the screen, you can see precise strikes in which we dismantled underground  tunnels in the Beit Hanoun area.

Since the beginning of Operation “Gideon's Chariots”, the brigades under the division's command have struck and dismantled thousands of underground tunnel routes throughout the northern Gaza Strip.

Activities are also continuing in the other parts of the Gaza Strip.

In the southern Gaza Strip, troops from the 36th Division and 143rd Division are deepening their operations in the Rafah and Khan Yunis areas.

The troops have completed the opening of the “Magen Oz” corridor, as can be seen on the screen.

At the beginning of the week, we sorrowfully announced that three armored corps soldiers from the 401st Brigade fell in battle in Jabaliya, heroes who exemplified the true spirit of tank crew camaraderie. Their tank was actively engaged in combat, firing shells and eliminating terrorists.

According to the initial inquiry, the incident appears to have been the result of an operational accident. We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the event.

We are paying heavy and painful prices in order to achieve our objectives in this war.

Our hearts are with the bereaved families, and we will continue to support them.

In the same incident, the platoon commander was seriously wounded, I wish him a swift and full recovery. The story of his bravery, the bravery of the entire crew, and the unit that fought alongside them will surely be told for years to come.

The war in Gaza is led by the best of our people, both in reserves and in regular service. A clear and distinct line connecting the soldier on the front lines to the commander of the division and of the command: An understanding of the importance of the mission and a readiness to act with dedication and courage.

Not for a moment do we forget that where the enemy does not meet our troops, it will meet the residents of the communities near the Gaza Strip.

In Syria, we are acting decisively to prevent the entrenchment of hostile forces beyond the border. Our clear objective is to protect Israeli civilians and, of course, to prevent harm to the Druze community.

In recent days, we have struck more than one hundred targets of the Syrian regime in the As Suwayda area, including dozens of armored and military vehicles.

In Damascus, we struck the regime’s General Staff headquarters, and in the area of the presidential palace, we will not allow southern Syria to become a terrorist stronghold.

Our Druze brothers,

We are aware of your pain. Nevertheless, we call on you to uphold the law and protect your lives. We are committed to you and your security, and we are doing everything possible to assist you.

Our commanders are leading the operation responsibly. We are determined to prevent any danger to you and your brothers in Syria. Therefore, I emphasize that anyone entering the area is putting themselves at great risk. This is a complex and sensitive situation that must be handled with responsibility and discretion. We will not allow disorder near the border.

In Lebanon, the Israeli Air Force operated this week, including in recent hours, under the guidance of the Intelligence Directorate, striking multiple targets of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in the Beqaa region. We struck Radwan Force targets, used for training and with the purpose of committing acts of terror against the State of Israel. These targets clearly demonstrate Hezbollah's attempts at strengthening itself. This is a blatant violation of the understandings.

We will not allow Hezbollah to recover and operate against the State of Israel. We will continue to act against it systematically.

In all arenas, the IDF operates deep within enemy territory, as needed. Our troops serve as a barrier between Israeli civilians and any possible threat. This is true both in Syria, in Lebanon, and in the Gaza Strip.

As the Chief of the General Staff said yesterday, if we reach an agreement for the return of our hostages, it will primarily be thanks to the activities of our troops on the ground. If an agreement is reached, we will halt and prepare along lines defined by the political echelon. If no agreement is reached, the IDF and Southern Command will continue to strike until the war objectives are achieved: the return of the hostages and the collapse of Hamas’ governmental and military capabilities.

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