IDF Spokesperson reveals "Returning the hostages is our main priority"

On Monday, May 5, 2025, IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin delivered a press statement from the Gaza Envelope, emphasizing that the return of hostages is the primary goal of the newly launched operation “Gideon’s Chariots” in the Gaza Strip. Speaking at 19:15, Defrin declared, “The supreme goal of the operation is first to bring the hostages home, and then the destruction of Hamas,” adding, “These two war aims are intertwined, this is what we believe.” The statement was broadcast live by Kikar HaShabbat and followed the security cabinet’s unanimous approval the previous night to escalate military operations in Gaza.

Defrin outlined the objectives of “Gideon’s Chariots,” stating, “The purpose of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ is the return of our hostages and the destruction of Hamas.” He stressed the operation’s comprehensive approach: “The operation will include a broad offensive, involving the movement of most of the Strip’s population to protect it in a Hamas-free sterile zone.” The strategy mirrors the Rafah model, involving continued strikes, elimination of terrorists, and dismantling of infrastructure across additional areas. Defrin highlighted past achievements, noting, “The operation has many achievements. Elimination of senior figures, opening the Murg corridor, significant damage to infrastructure, destruction of the Rafah Brigade, and full control over the area between Philadelphi and Morag.” Despite these successes, he admitted, “Hamas remains defiant in its stance.”

Contradicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier claim that victory is the supreme goal, Defrin reiterated five times that “The supreme goal of our operation is the return of the hostages.” He addressed the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists, saying, “The mobilization at this time is difficult and complex, but it is being done to bring back our hostages, achieve a decisive outcome, and end the war.” Defrin emphasized the reservists’ critical role: “They are the backbone of the IDF.” He also underscored the operation’s strategic necessity: “We believe the action we are taking is the best to bring back the hostages. The war’s goals are the return of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas’s rule.”

Defrin refused to comment on reports that Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir warned the cabinet of potential hostage casualties during the expanded operation or Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s claim that Israel is “conquering Gaza to stay.” He stated, “I don’t want to address what was said in closed meetings between the Prime Minister and the Chief of Staff, I will repeat and say that the operation’s priority is the return of the hostages.” On the IDF’s achievements, he said, “The IDF’s activities in Gaza have many achievements,” but added, “Hamas remains defiant in its stance.” He affirmed a structured plan: “We have a plan for the elimination of Hamas and the release of the hostages,” and vowed, “Hamas erred and continues to err in understanding our determination. The IDF will continue to act with resolve to achieve the war’s goals.”

The briefing addressed concerns raised by 25 hostage families, who demanded an urgent meeting with Zamir after reports quoted him saying, “We can lose hostages” in the expanded operation. The families expressed alarm, stating, “It is unacceptable that we hear about the risk of losing our loved ones through the media,” and warned, “The current combat plan endangers the remaining living hostages and risks the permanent disappearance of the deceased hostages in Gaza’s soil.” They demanded clarity on how the new plan avoids harming hostages, calling any loss “an absolute national failure.” Defrin avoided directly addressing Zamir’s alleged remarks but stressed, “The hostages are always before our eyes, the goal of their return and the destruction of Hamas’s rule are intertwined.”

Defrin concluded by affirming the IDF’s commitment to transparency: “I will continue to present directly and factually. When necessary, not when possible. Our actions will speak.” The operation’s escalation, backed by reservist mobilization and a civilian evacuation plan, signals a significant intensification of efforts to achieve the intertwined goals of hostage recovery and Hamas’s defeat, amid ongoing tensions and public scrutiny.