IDF Chief of Staff Declares Gaza’s Ceasefire ‘Yellow Line’ a ‘New Border’ During Visit to Strip

BEIT HANOUN (VINnews) — IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir declared that the “Yellow Line” drawn as part of the current ceasefire agreement constitutes “a new border line” for Israel, vowing that the military will prevent Hamas from reestablishing itself in evacuated areas.

“We will not allow Hamas to reestablish itself. We control large parts of the Gaza Strip and stand along [strategic] lines. The Yellow Line is a new border line, a forward defensive line for the communities and an offensive line,” Zamir said during a tour of Beit Hanoun and Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, according to an IDF statement.

Speaking to troops on the ground, Zamir described the line as both a defensive barrier protecting southern Israeli communities and a starting point for potential future offensive operations.

The chief of staff also addressed the hostage situation, noting that “the vast majority of our hostages have returned” but emphasizing that “our mission will not be complete until the final fallen hostage, Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, is brought back.”

Zamir urged forces to remain vigilant despite the ceasefire, warning against complacency.

“The IDF is preparing for the scenario of a surprise war; this is one of the cornerstones of the upcoming multi-year plan,” he said, adding that the military “must prepare across all arenas and maintain readiness and vigilance alongside adherence to operational norms.”