After the difficult news of the fall of 21 reserve soldiers yesterday in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences to the bereaved families:
"Yesterday, we experienced one of the most challenging days since the outbreak of the war. I want to strengthen the dear families of our heroic soldiers who fell on the battlefield. I know that for these families, their lives will never be the same."
"I mourn our fallen heroes. I embrace the families in their time of grief, and we all pray for the well-being of our wounded."
Netanyahu added in his statement: "The IDF has initiated an investigation into the tragedy. We must draw the necessary lessons and do everything to preserve the lives of our soldiers. In the name of our heroes, for the sake of our lives, we will not cease to fight until absolute victory."