Following the disaster in which 21 fighters were killed, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Gallant, and Minister Gantz made a joint statement during the cabinet meeting in the Korazim Plateau. "We bow our heads in memory of our fallen, and yet we do not for a moment stop striving for an irreplaceable goal - the achievement of absolute victory"
At the beginning of the remarks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "Yesterday was one of the most difficult days since the outbreak of the war. We lost 24 of our best sons, the heroes who fell defending the homeland. Together with the citizens of Israel, I grieve for every one of them. I hug the families, whose world has changed forever. From here we send a prayer for the peace of our wounded.
According to Netanyahu, "The IDF is conducting a thorough investigation of the disaster, we must learn the lessons and do everything for the peace of our soldiers. We are in the midst of the most justified war. In this war, there are great achievements in this war, including today, in completing the encirclement of Khan Yunis, but there are also hefty prices.
He also added, "We bow our heads in memory of our fallen, and yet we do not for a moment stop striving for the irreplaceable goal - the achievement of absolute victory. Together we will fight - and together we will win."
We will complete the tasks and do everything that is required
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant began by sending condolences to the families of the fallen. "The hard news we received yesterday, about the death of 24 of our warriors, our best sons, from all over the country, north and south, from all places, is a heavy blow. We share and express deep sorrow and heavy grief in the mourning of the families.
"Later, he indicated the desire to fulfil the tasks for which the IDF is required. Our forces are operating deep in the enemy's territory, in Khan Yunis, fighters from the paratroopers, the 7th Brigade, Givati Brigade, and in the entire southern region."
Also, he added, "We keep an eye on everything that happens in the north. Hezbollah continues to provoke; I have now made a special situation assessment on this matter. We are prepared, we do not want war, but we are ready for any situation that may develop in the north. Therefore, one hand towards the south and a watchful eye towards the north. And once again, I send hugs from the bottom of my heart to the members of the bereaved families and express deep sorrow for the fall of the fighters."
Minister Benny Gantz said, "On behalf of the entire people of Israel, I would like to convey our condolences, the condolences of all sections of society, to the families who lost the most precious to them, throughout the entire campaign in all situations, and of course also in the last painful day.
According to him, "These are reservists who left everything and stood up in order to defend the State of Israel and defend the Zionist vision, no less than this matter. This is how we will remember all the fallen, this is how we will remember those who perished yesterday in the terrible disaster."
