![Israel's newly appointed armed forces chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir (C), visits the Western Wall in the old city of Jerusalem on March 5, 2025. [Menahem KAHANA / AFP / Getty Images]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/GettyImages-2202834520.jpg)
Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said on Sunday that the Israeli army must be prepared to shift swiftly from defensive operations to a large-scale offensive aimed at occupying territory beyond the so-called “Yellow Line” in the Gaza Strip. Zamir’s remarks came during a visit to Rafah in southern Gaza, according to a statement issued by the Israeli army. Zamir conducted a situational assessment with senior commanders, including Southern Command chief Yaniv Asor, Gaza Division commander Barak Hiram and the heads of all brigades operating in the Strip. The army said Zamir toured the Rafah area, where he reviewed operational developments across all fronts and stressed the need to maintain defensive readiness, eliminate threats and remain prepared for “a rapid […]
