[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz on Thursday morning gave the order to gradually release tens of thousands of reservists called up for emergency service, to permit them to return to their civilian lives.

The commander stressed that if need be, ground forces remain ready and if instructed to enter into Gaza, the military is prepared for the mission.

YWN PHOTO LINKS: Click HERE for an interesting gallery of images and cartoons from Operation Pillar of Defense, and Click HERE for photos of the IDF leaving Southern Israel.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)