IDF Colonel (res.) Oren Zini, former commander of the Tze’elim Training Base, lauded security forces following the arrest of an individual identified as “the head of Hamas’s Shin Bet,” during a Friday interview on 103FM. However, he cautioned against any future agreement compelling the IDF to retreat from its positions in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon before mission objectives are fully achieved.
Discussing the situation with Ron Koffman and Prof. Aryeh Eldad on 103FM, Zini noted that under current conditions, the Shin Bet and security forces are demonstrating exceptional operational and intelligence capabilities.
“In the current reality, the security forces—and certainly the Shin Bet—are performing exceptionally well. This success is evident in both the south and the north: operations are highly effective, encompassing targeted eliminations as well as this specific case,” he stated. “This achievement is underpinned by top-tier intelligence, alongside highly skilled forces and capabilities.”
According to Zini, a shift in policy now permits troops to operate in areas previously deemed inaccessible. “Previously, there was hesitation regarding whether to act, but today everyone understands that policy permits such operations, and everyone recognizes the heavy price paid when policy does not allow it,” he explained.
Zini added that just a few years ago, operations of this scale would have seemed like science fiction: “The IDF has penetrated the enemy’s most fortified strongholds, striking both Hamas and Hezbollah from within, suffocating them. In my view, this deserves immense credit.”
Tactical Achievements Insufficient Without Sustained Control
However, Zini cautioned that tactical achievements would be insufficient if Israel relinquished control over the areas where forces are currently operating as part of a diplomatic settlement. He emphasized that a premature withdrawal would allow the enemy to regroup and reposition fighters and weaponry.
“If we fail to maintain our hold in these areas, the enemy will escape with its forces and munitions, and we will not be taken seriously,” he stated.
“We witnessed what occurred when we departed the security zone [in southern Lebanon]. Not everyone will appreciate hearing this, but that year-2000 effort under Ehud Barak appeared to be one massive retreat. I was there. We left equipment and weapons behind and withdrew precipitously.”
Israel Paid a Heavy Price for Past Withdrawals
According to Zini, Israel paid a heavy price for that withdrawal, and the reality on the northern border on the eve of the October 7 attacks underscored just how deeply Hezbollah had entrenched itself in the region.
“We saw the price the State of Israel paid, and we were merely one minute away from an October 7 scenario on the northern border as well,” he said.
In conclusion, Zini expressed concern that future agreements concerning Gaza and Lebanon will restrict Israel’s freedom of action and force the IDF to withdraw before completing its objectives.
“These are the red lines, in my view. I have no doubt that in any future agreement, we will be required to withdraw from both fronts to arbitrary lines, and we will lack sufficient time to finish the job.”
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