Israel at war - 22nd day. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Minister without Portfolio Benny Gantz will hold a joint press conference tonight (Saturday) in Tel Aviv.
This is the first time Netanyahu has answered questions from journalists since the outbreak of the war during the celebration of Simchat Torah. The press conference is taking place as the ground entry into Gaza begins (for now, in a limited manner) and after a meeting between Netanyahu and Gallant and the families of the abductees.
Prime Minister Netanyahu: "Yesterday evening, more of our ground forces entered the gate of the fortress of evil. This is the second stage of the war, with the aim of destroying the capabilities of the Hamas regime and bringing the captives home. The decision to enter the ground was made both in the security cabinet and the political-security cabinet.
"The fighters and commanders currently in battle know that the leadership and the military stand fully behind them. Our soldiers are fighting in the field, Jews and non-Jews, all our sons are fighting for the benefit of all of humanity, and the entire people and the leadership stand behind them.
"We will defeat the murderous enemy and ensure our existence in our land. We have always told the world, 'Never again.' Never again is now. 'Remember what Amalek did to you.' We remember, and we fight.
"Israel is not only fighting its war; it is fighting the war of humanity. Our friends in the West, as well as our friends in Arab countries, know that if we are not victorious, they will be next. Throughout this battle, we have built a solid diplomatic front. Many leaders have come to Israel, close friends, the President of the United States, the President of France, the Prime Minister of the UK, and more. They all came here, not only to participate in mourning the horrors committed by Hamas but also to support our victory. They congratulate us and wish us success."
Netanyahu concluded his speech with a prayer for the safety of the IDF soldiers and said, "We are only at the beginning of the road. The war will be difficult and long, and we are prepared for it. This is our second War of Independence. We will fight in the air, at sea, and on land. This is our life mission, my life's mission. Together we will prevail."
