MG Avi Bluth stated at a change-of-command ceremony for Division 99 that the Hamas ground invasion threat from Gaza, as occurred on October 7, 2023, is no longer possible. He said the IDF holds over 60% of the Strip and maintains a security buffer zone for the Gaza border communities held by two divisions, while warning that Hamas's capabilities and vision remain.
Major General Avi Bluth, Commander of the IDF Central Command, delivered a security assessment Thursday at a ceremony marking the change of command for Division 99, which is currently operating in the Gaza Strip. Bluth stated that the threat of a Hamas ground invasion from Gaza, a repeat of the October 7, 2023, cross-border attack, is no longer possible. He cited the IDF's control of over 60% of the Gaza Strip and a security buffer zone for the Gaza border communities (the 'Otef') held by two divisions.
Bluth acknowledged that challenges remain: Hamas still controls the territory, retains residual capabilities, and its vision of eliminating Israel has not changed. 'Our work is not done,' he said.
The ceremony also saw Brigadier General Elad Tzuri assume command of Division 99. Tzuri previously commanded the 7th Armored Brigade during the current war. The outgoing commander was not named in the report.
The assessment aligns with recent statements by political leaders, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who have asserted that the IDF controls 60–70% of the Gaza Strip (as The Zioneer reported). However, Bluth's remarks carry particular weight as the senior military commander responsible for the Central Command, which oversees the Gaza front.
The new commanding officer, Brig. Gen. Tzuri, brings experience from the armored corps, which has been heavily engaged in the ground maneuver in Gaza.
2 developments
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- DevelopingReservist Maj. Gen. (ret.) Nitzan Alon says Gaza war could have ended a year earlier
Source and signal
- Internal intake