[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Givati Brigade Commander Colonel Ofir Winter speaks with the media about Operation Protective Edge, explaining Givati soldiers were the first soldiers in and the last to leave Gaza.

IDF Southern District Commander Major-General Sami Turgeman praised Winter and his soldiers for their dedication and their performance in Gaza.

Winter explains “Givati does not like warfare and I do not like warfare”. He explains his forces left Gaza Tisha B’Av, with Turgeman adding “it is not over and we stand ready. I hope this will not be required but if this is the case, we are prepared…”

The Givati soldiers, officers and their families were hosted for a day of fun in Nachshonit Park. Winter explains the event was to have been held on 10 Menachem Av but he postponed it until all the families of the fallen finished sitting shiva.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)