IDF Says October 7-Style Hamas Infiltration Is No Longer Possible

IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth said an October 7-style Hamas infiltration is no longer possible because Israeli forces now hold more than 60% of Gaza and maintain a security zone for border communities with two divisions. Speaking at the Division 99 command handover near Netiv Ha’asara, Bluth said the army had achieved substantial gains since Hamas’s 2023 massacre. He cautioned that Hamas still governs its area, retains residual capabilities and continues to seek Israel’s destruction. Incoming commander Brig. Gen. Elad Tzuri said the IDF must keep attacking enemies and prevent them from rebuilding on Israel’s borders.