Despite a ceasefire commitment for Friday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the opening of Thursday’s cabinet meeting reaffirmed Israel’s determination to succeed in its Gaza operation, now in its twenty-fifth day.
“”The IDF is continuing to act with full force across the Gaza Strip. IDF soldiers are completing the neutralization of the terrorist tunnels. These tunnels would have enabled Hamas to abduct and murder civilians and IDF soldiers via simultaneous attacks from many tunnels that penetrate our territory. We are now dismantling this ability.”
Netanyahu indicated that Israel would not settle for an agreement which would not offer it security. “As of now, we have neutralized dozens of terrorist tunnels and we are determined to complete this mission, with or without a ceasefire, and therefore I will not agree to any proposal that does not allow the IDF to complete this work which is important for the security of Israel’s citizens.”
The PM went on to praise the soldiers and commanders involved in the current campaign, specifically IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz and Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon.
“We are working around the clock, shoulder to shoulder, sagaciously and responsibly, for the people of Israel,” he said. “Naturally, we cannot share with the public all of the information and all of the considerations at our disposal. We have an orderly plan and we are acting accordingly,” he explained.
Netanyahu also addressed the people of Israel, encouraging them to stay strong.
“I would like to say to the citizens of Israel: You serve as examples. Your resilience in the face of our enemies is impressive. It causes deep appreciation around the world. I must say that your strong stand is a national force multiplier that enables us to conduct this campaign in a sagacious and responsible manner, in a way that will give the best possible results for the State of Israel and its people.”
He spoke of the nation’s unity, saying it provided Israel’s army and leadership with the strength and encouragement to do what is necessary. He urged the people not to give in to extremes, and asked his own fellow lawmakers to present a united front.
“When our soldiers are fighting the enemy and endangering their lives on behalf of us all, we owe them this. The more we are united, the stronger we are,” he said.
The Prime Minister also expressed his and the nation’s condolences to the families of fallen soldiers and other victims of the current campaign.
Operation Protective Edge began in early July, following an intensification of rocket fire from Gaza into Israel. Air strikes were initially executed to provide greater protection for Israeli forces, but ultimately, a ground invasion was deemed necessary. Most recently, 16,000 reserve troops were called up. Both Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon have warned this may not be a quick operation.
Over the course of the campaign, dozens of terror tunnels into Israel have been found, many stockpiled with weapons. The tunnels have been used in several terrorist attempts and it is believed a wide-scale attack was planned for the Jewish New Year. Additionally, rockets were found in two UN-funded schools in Gaza, and three Israeli soldiers were killed this week in a booby-trapped UN medical facility.
Still, the White House Spokesperson’s office has announced that all parties have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire, beginning Friday morning. According to the announcement, all troops would remain in place during the ceasefire, and negotiations for a more lasting arrangement would take place during that time.
