The head of Israel's general staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, has said the war will continue to intensify as stages of Israel's plan continue to progress.
In a letter addressed to his troops, LTG Halevi said Israel was already 'advancing in the stages of war' and that he and his staff were 'tirelessly' looking to secure the release of hostages. 'We are fighting for our right and the right of future generations to live in safety and prosperity in our homeland,' he said. He called on his troops to be 'sharp, professional in every action, alert to any threat and as prepared as possible'.