Israel Defence Forces Rear Adm Daniel Hagari says the war requires ‘prolonged fighting’; Sirens heard in southern and central Israel after rockets fired on New Year’s day
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Hamas fired a barrage of rockets at Israel just as the clock struck midnight, Agence France-Presse reports.
Air alert sirens sounded across Israel as 2024 began, and AFP journalists in Tel Aviv witnessed missile defence systems intercepting rockets overhead, with some revellers in the streets below rushing for cover while others kept up the party.
Tonight, the year of 2024 begins. The objectives of the war require prolonged fighting, and we are preparing accordingly. We are wisely planning the management of the forces operating in the field, looking at the reserve system, the economy, refreshing forces, and continuing the combat training processes in the IDF.
These adaptations are designed to ensure planning and preparation for the continuation of 2024, as the IDF must plan ahead, understanding that we will be required for additional tasks and warfare throughout this year.