Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, this afternoon, Wednesday, 11 Tammuz 5774,held security consultations, at IDF Southern Command headquarters in Beersheva, along with Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz and Southern District Commander Major-General Sammy Turgeman.

Following the consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “We have decided to further increase the assault on Hamas and the terrorist organizations in Gaza. The IDF is prepared for all possibilities. Hamas will pay a heavy price for firing at Israel’s citizens. The security of Israel’s citizens is our primary consideration. Our military is strong, the home front is steadfast and our people are united. This combination is our response to the terrorist organizations that want to attack us.

We are all united in the mission to strike at the terrorist organizations and restore quiet. The operation will be expanded and will continue until the firing at our communities stops and quiet is restored. I ask that the public continue to listen to the instructions from IDF Home Front Command– they save lives. On behalf of Israel’s citizens, I thank all IDF soldiers and ISA personnel who are participating in the operation.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)