Hamas unable to conduct terror infiltration, repeat of October 7, IDF commander tells soldiers

An Israeli Defense Forces commander has asserted that Hamas lacks the capability to repeat the October 7th terror infiltration. Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth, IDF Central Command Chief, stated Wednesday that the threat is no longer possible, citing that over 60% of the Gaza Strip is now under Israeli control.

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The threat of a terror infiltration like on October 7 is no longer possible.

"There is a security zone for the Gaza border communities held by two divisions and the finest IDF soldiers," Bluth told soldiers during a change-of-command ceremony for the 99th Division. This reservist division, which aided in repelling terrorists after the October 7 massacre, has operated in Gaza throughout the war.

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More than 60% of the Strip is in our hands. There is a security zone for the Gaza border communities held by two divisions and the finest IDF soldiers.

Despite the assertion of diminished infiltration capabilities, Bluth acknowledged that Hamas remains a threat. "Our eyes are open, and we can see and identify the challenges that still exist. Hamas still rules, and the murderous organization retains residual capabilities, while its vision of destroying Israel has not changed," he said. He stressed that the IDF's work is not finished, even as significant achievements have been made in northern Gaza.

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But our eyes are open, and we can see and identify the challenges that still exist. Hamas still rules, and the murderous organization retains residual capabilities, while its vision of destroying Israel has not changed.

Bluth's comments align with recent briefings to Israel's Security Cabinet, where senior military officials indicated that the IDF controls between 67% and 70% of Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously instructed the IDF to expand control to 70% of the Strip, urging patience as the operation progresses step by step.

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Our work has not finished.