In the wake of the murderous terror attack by Hamas, the security cabinet convened today (Saturday) and adopted a number of decisions to destroy the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Among the cabinet’s decisions were the stoppage the flow of electricity, fuel, and goods into the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Netanyahu concluded the meeting by saying: “We are setting out for a long and difficult war. This war was forced on us by a murderous attack by Hamas.”
According to Netanyahu: “The first phase ended in recent hours with the destruction of the overwhelming majority of enemy forces who penetrated into our territory. At the same time, we have begun the offensive and it will continue unrestrained and without a stop until we reach our objectives. We will restore security to Israel’s citizens and we will win.”
Earlier, the Prime Minister said: “Citizens of Israel, Hamas forces invaded Israeli territory this morning on the morning of a day of holiday and Shabbat, and murdered innocent civilians, children and elderly. Hamas launched a cruel and wicked war.
He also said that “We will win, but the cost is unbearable. We will strike them until we completely destroy them, and we will powerfully avenge this black day they caused Israel. Every place where Hamas is deployed and hiding, we will turn into piles of rubble. I say to the residents of Gaza: Leave there, now, for we will operate everywhere, at full strength.
“I send condolences to the bereaved families whose murdered friends were murdered with unfathomable cruelty. I tell Hamas: You are responsible for their well-being (of the hostages). Israel will deal with anyone who harms one hair on their head.”
