Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke on Tuesday at a meeting of Government ministry director generals in Jerusalem. During his remarks the prime minister addressed the latest escalation in the south, after terrorists launched more than 200 rockets at southern Israel over a period of four days.
“The recent activity is testimony to my government’s policy – aggressive action in order to prevent Israeli citizens from being hurt and increasing home front defense,” Netanyahu said.
“Our message is clear: Quiet will bring quiet,” he added. “Whoever violates it or even tries to violate it – we will find him. We achieved precise hits on those who perpetrate terrorism, terrorist commanders, terrorism infrastructures and many missiles that were aimed at our cities and communities.
“I would like to praise the excellent actions of the IDF, the ISA, the Air Force and those manning Iron Dome batteries,” Netanyahu said. “I would like to praise the local council heads who showed leadership and responsibility. And above all, I salute the residents of the south who showed fortitude in the face of terrorism. Their resilience is a main component of our national security. Israel seeks peace but we are prepared for any challenge.”
The IAF responded to the rocket fire by targeting the cells firing the rockets – killing 27 Gazans, of whom 25 were terrorists.
The IDF laid the blame for civilian casualties at the door of the terror gangs, noting they were firing rockets from deep within densely populated civilian areas and using civilians as human shields.
On Monday night it was reported that Egypt had brokered a ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza-based terror groups. The ceasefire went into effect as of 1:00 a.m. (Israel time) Tuesday morning, but terrorists continued to fire rockets and missiles into Israel throughout the day.
One person was lightly injured on Tuesday evening after being hit in the hand by flying glass when a rocket hit Netivot. 11 people suffered shock. The attack came just hours after a pair of rockets slammed into the Ashkelon beaches. No physical injuries were reported in that attack.
