Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz made some short remarks a few moments ago in a live televised event in the IDF’s Central Command HQ. The following is a summation of the key points of their brief remarks.

PM Netanyahu:

In the midst of a complicated operation and we must realize it may take time. The incident was quite serious as will be the consequences. We are tenacious in our efforts while acting responsibly and with determination Over 100 Hamas terrorists arrested and there will be other actions, which I do not wish to detail at present.

There is another front, Gaza, and we have responded and if required we will respond with additional force and I warn those wishing to strike at Israel.

The IDF is strong and remains out in the field. I would like to thank the dear families, the wonderful families of Gilad, Naftali and Eyal…We are doing everything possible to bring the boys home.

I would now like to say something to the international community. I spoke with US Secretary of State Kerry who condemned the kidnapping and I spoke with others in the international community. I expect to hear your voices as some are quick to condemn us on every attempt to build even a balcony in Gilo and I expect to hear stern condemnations now for one opposed to terror must express this condemnation at every incident.

Defense Minister Ya’alon:

I would like to strengthen the families of the hostages. The IDF, ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet), Israel Police under the instruction of the prime minister are all working together to bring Eyal, Gilad and Naftali home as soon as possible. I have no doubt we will get to the abductors. This demands patience…

The Hamas infrastructure in Yehuda and Shomron will pay a heavy price, both with the arrests and its infrastructure. This event will not pass without exacting a heavy price from Hamas.

IDF Chief of Staff Gantz:

The IDF is working with other agencies and each agency is aware of its mission, to protect the State of Israel, and we will do what it takes to bring the hostages back. That is what will occur in this case. We have patrols, entering homes, checkpoints, intelligence and other means and they are all working in unison.

The determination of the commanders of the field will continue until the mission is accomplished.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)