JERUSALEM (VINnews)- Israel’s military cannot reduce its ground forces and must significantly increase the number of combat soldiers to handle multi-front threats, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said, emphasizing the critical role of large-scale ground maneuvers in achieving decisive victory.

Zamir made the remarks during a ceremony marking the formation of the new 38th Division, composed of the Ground Forces’ training units that would activate as a unified combat formation in wartime.

“There is no substitute for a maneuvering division operating in enemy territory and bringing about decisive victory,” Zamir said, according to the IDF. A maneuvering division consists of ground units trained to penetrate deep into enemy areas, unlike regional divisions focused on border defense.

The comments reflect lessons drawn from the war that began with the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack and has involved operations across multiple arenas. Zamir stressed that the past two years have shown the reserve force as the military’s backbone, but the standing army must expand to give reservists relief and allow them to return to civilian life.

“To operate in a multi-front campaign, we will be required to significantly expand the ranks of the IDF’s male and female combat soldiers in order to create a strong army, sized appropriately to the threats and capable of achieving decisive outcomes,” he said.

The establishment of the 38th Division underscores a shift toward enhancing offensive ground capabilities, with the IDF reestablishing it as part of post-Oct. 7 reforms under Zamir’s leadership.

Zamir’s statements come as the IDF continues operations amid heightened regional tensions, including with Iran and its proxies.