Defense Minsiter Yoav Gallant arrived again at Southern Command, where he was given an updated situational assessment in preparation for the next stages in the war. He also spoke to the soldiers who would be the first to enter Gaza.
(Photo: Elad Malka)
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conducted an operational situational assessment at Southern Command together with Command commander Maj.-Geb. Yaron Finkelman, IDF Strategic Branch Director Maj.-Gen. Eliezer Toledano, and divisional commanders in the sector.
Gallant later arrived at the assembly areas on the border of the Gaza Strip, where he spoke with soldiers from the Givati brigade and battalion commanders in the brigade and armored units in the area. He began with a description of his affinity for the unit, the terror attack, and his promise that the State of Israel would “erase the Hamas organization” and that they would lead the charge along with others.
“This will be a difficult campaign. It will not take a day, or two days, or a week,” he said, adding that it was important that whoever tries to commit such a “criminal” act with the aim of deterring Israelis will “pay a price they will regret.” He said: “It will take a week, a month, two months – until we eliminate them.”
He added that “You are not alone in the battle. Tankists, artillery, engineers, the Air Force, intelligence, the Navy – they’re all with you … and I beseech you: every terrorist you see – shoot and kill them. Nothing less than that. That’s the judgment.”
He ended by saying: “Continue training so long as there is time. Be ready. The order (to invade) will come” and that “those who see Gaza from a distance now will see Gaza from the inside.”