---

“You Are Under Attack”… With These Shocking Words, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir Began His First Day in Office with a Surprise Military Drill Near Gaza.

In a bold move, Zamir simulated an attack similar to the surprise offensive launched by Hamas on southern Israeli towns on October 7, 2023. He asserted that future threats are not just a possibility but an inevitability, according to Yedioth Ahronoth.

• Washington Approves $3 Billion Arms Deal for Israel

• From Gaza to the West Bank… Israel Draws Up “The Day after” Plans

Simulating a Hamas Attack

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Zamir is pushing for heightened combat readiness and urgent structural reforms within the military, as the prospect of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza remains unclear.

The new Chief of Staff marked his first day by visiting the Gaza Strip, signaling a shift in strategy following his predecessor Herzi Halevi’s failure to bring the ongoing war to a decisive conclusion.

• After fishing… “Tunnel Messages” Precede the Release of an Israeli Hostage in Gaza

• First Tanks in the West Bank in Decades… Israel Evacuates 40,000 Palestinians ‘Without Return’

However, Zamir’s visit was more than just symbolic. He conducted an unannounced drill at a forward position near Beit Hanoun, a town on Gaza’s northern border.

During the training, Zamir simulated an attack similar to the one on October 7, moving between positions to question soldiers about threats in the area. He even personally operated a machine gun.

• Revealing the Fate of the Oldest Israeli Hostage Held by Hamas

• Israeli Soldier Sells Sensitive Information to Iran for $3,500

At the end of the drill, he told a company commander: “An attack like this will happen. It’s not a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’ You must be prepared.” This emphasized the need for constant vigilance.

Observers noted that Major General Yaron Finkelman, the former commander of the Southern Command, was caught off guard by the exercise.

• Washington Approves $7.4 Billion Arms Deal for Israel

• The West Bank “chokes” due to Israeli checkpoints

More Than a Drill… A Message

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Zamir’s first training exercise was meant to send a clear message: he is taking command of an army still recovering from the failures of October 7, a reality highlighted by investigative reports.

His newly appointed team will work to address the serious flaws exposed by those investigations.

• The “Life Sentences” List Signals a Crisis in Israel… Is a New Sinwar on the Horizon?

• Gaza War: Israel Reveals Its Soldier Death Toll and the Rise in Soldier Suicides

Described as a fast-paced leader, Zamir is well aware that time is not on his side. During meetings with military leaders, soldiers, and local officials, he warned of the potential imminent resurgence of war. “Hamas must be decisively defeated,” he stated.

In his first official decision, Zamir acknowledged the military’s failure on October 7 and pledged to implement comprehensive reforms within the armed forces.

• “Including Syria and Lebanon”: How the Israeli Army Prepares for “Operation Winter”

• Amnesty Accuses Israel of Committing Genocide in Gaza

Challenges Ahead

Zamir faces significant challenges, particularly with ongoing issues of readiness and discipline within the military. He warned that war could break out again at any moment, leaving him with no grace period.

He also held lengthy meetings with military leadership—some lasting until the early hours of the morning—to discuss strategic planning and boost troop morale.

• The Ceasefire Agreement Does Not Restore Safety to Northern Israel’s Residents

• Permanent Occupation of the Sector, Alteration of Its Map, and Construction of Military Bases: Israel’s Secret Plans for Gaza

Among his top priorities is strengthening ground forces, including the formation of a new tank brigade and the reintegration of reconnaissance units into armored divisions.

However, achieving these objectives will require increasing troop numbers, a task complicated by ongoing disputes over the new conscription law.

• Israel Threatens Hezbollah Leaders: Defeating the Party with the Weapon of “Chaos”

• “Military Indicators”: Israel Prepares the Ground for a Ceasefire in Lebanon