The Chief of Staff of the Israeli army, Eyal Zamir, conducted an assessment of the army’s readiness and said: “According to the Cabinet’s decision, we are on the brink of a new phase of fighting in Gaza.” He added: “We will develop the best method in line with the defined objectives, maintaining professionalism and the principles we work by. We will do this according to the readiness of the forces and combat means, taking the hostages into consideration.” The Chief of Staff continued that “the alternatives presented to the Cabinet all aim to defeat Hamas, with an understanding of the implications on all aspects. The Israeli army will know how to control Gaza City, just as it knew how to control Khan Yunis and Rafah.”