Operation 'Dawn': Interim Prime Minister Yair Lapid made a statement to the media this evening (Monday), along with Defense Minister Benny Gantz.
""Operation 'Dawn' returned the initiative to Israel. Returned Israeli deterrence. All goals were achieved. The entire military leadership of Islamic Jihad in Gaza was thwarted within three days. The strength and sophistication of the IDF dealt the enemy a hard blow," said Lapid.
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He said, "The firm stance and responsible conduct of the residents of the Israeli encirclement and home front, alongside the active defense of Iron Dome, saved lives and prevented casualties. We send best wishes for a full recovery and recovery to the injured.".
Lapid added: "The Israeli government has continued with a strong policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. Anyone who tries to harm us will pay with their lives.".
Lapid wanted to thank various parties, including the opposition chairman: "I want to express deep appreciation to Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Alternate Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai and the thousands of people under their command. The people of Israel have someone to rely on. Israel's security is in good hands. I will support the government throughout the operation.".
""I want to thank Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Egyptian Intelligence Minister Abbas Kamel for their central and important role and efforts to achieve a ceasefire and maintain stability in the region. We continue to work with them to return our sons home. Until Hadar and Oron, may their memory be blessed, Abra and Hisham return, our work is not complete.".
Defense Minister Benny Gantz also spoke: "With initiative, correct operational work, and correct and close coordination between the political and operational echelons, we achieved three goals in Operation Dawn: removing the immediate threat from the Gaza envelope, maintaining operational freedom of action in all arenas, and maintaining deterrence while sending a clear message to our enemies in each of the arenas - that Israel is determined to defend its sovereignty and its citizens.".
""We are constantly continuing operational activity to maintain security in our country, strengthen stability in the Middle East, and reduce the attempts of our enemies to gain strength. In the future, too, if necessary, we will launch a preemptive strike to protect the citizens of Israel, its sovereignty, and its infrastructure. This is true on every front. From Tehran to Khan Yunis.".
He said, "The military achievement relies on operational and intelligence capabilities that we have built over the years, on precision, on the best air defense system in the world, and on responsible and determined decision-making.".
""In the past year, since Operation 'Guardian of the Walls', which created a high level of deterrence, Israel has been pursuing a clear policy: on the one hand - a strong hand against any violation of sovereignty, and an offensive and defensive effort to thwart it in all arenas. On the other hand, a responsible civilian humanitarian policy while strengthening moderate forces at the expense of terrorist organizations.".
""I would like to emphasize - the Hamas organization is the one that bears responsibility for the territory in the Gaza Strip. Where responsibility is not fulfilled - we will act forcefully, and use all the means at our disposal - military and civilian.
""Yesterday we celebrated the fast of Tisha B'Av. Precisely in these days of mourning and remembrance of the destruction of the Temple - we all discovered solidarity and national resilience. The fact that all Israeli citizens are willing to enter the protected areas, in order to allow the security forces to restore peace to the Gaza Strip, is not self-evident. It symbolizes that the Gaza Strip is just as important as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. All Israelis are truly responsible for each other.".
Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu responded to Lapid and Gantz's statement at the end of the military operation in Gaza: "I congratulate the government, the Shin Bet, and our beloved IDF soldiers on another successful operation against terrorism in Gaza. In the fight against terrorism, we are all united, there is no opposition and there is no coalition.".
He emphasized: "It should also be said that only after this government with the Ra'am fell and after the Knesset was dissolved was it possible to launch this operation.".
