Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz addressed the nation on Wednesday night, a bit more than 24 hours after the ceasefire was accepted. The prime minister’s approval rating has dropped to 32%, in no small part because of his decision to accept a ceasefire with Hamas without bothering to bring it to a cabinet vote or members of the smaller forum, the Security Cabinet.

PM Binyamin Netanyahu

· I can say there is a significant military and diplomatic achievement with the announced ceasefire.

· Hamas was hit hard and did not receive a single demand in the ceasefire.

· As prime minister I am ultimately responsible for the security of Israel and its citizens.

· I worked hand-in-hand during the operation with the defense minister and IDF chief.

· We set a clear goal of delivering a significant blow to Hamas with the intention of bringing quiet to the citizens of Israel.

· First we must remember the tunnels were destroyed. When the IDF announced that mission was accomplished, with withdrew ground forces to eliminate the chance to permit Hamas to kill, abduct or wound our soldiers.

· About 1,000 Hamas were killed.

· We destroyed thousands of rockets, launchers, commend centers, operations centers, and Hamas’ infrastructure.

· Hamas sustained an unprecedented blow, the biggest since the organization was established.

· We were willing to go to a ceasefire without conditions but Hamas had demands, opening the marine blockade, releasing terrorists from the Shalit deal and an airport. Hamas received nothing.

· There was no intervention by Qatar or Turkey despite Hamas demands. Hamas received absolutely nothing.

· Hamas wanted money to pay salaries. It did not happen.

· We agreed to assist in rehabilitating Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, which we agreed to all along.

· We did not accept a single demand of Hamas.

· The international community realizes Hamas and ISIS are one in the same.

· We demanded the demilitarization of Gaza. The new reality presents new opportunities for Israel as Hamas is isolated in the region.

· It may be too early to know if this will succeed but we do know Hamas was hit extremely hard. We cannot know if there will be a long term halt to rocket fire.

· We will try to promote the new diplomatic opportunities that have been created in a responsible manner of course.

· Hamas was shocked at the extent of our response. Hamas believe we would give in to demands.

· I use this opportunity to announce that there is zero tolerance to any and all rocket fire to any area of the country. Sporadic rocket fire will not be tolerated.

· Permit me to praise the citizens of Israel. Hamas failed to evaluate the endurance and determination of the citizens. The support for soldiers and the IDF was overwhelming.

· The response by MDA and other EMS organizations was commendable.

· The Kibbutz Movement and others were unshakable.

· Hospitals were ready and received and treated the wounded.

· Wishes of a speedy and total recovery to all the wounded. I visited as many as I could. I was moved by their steadfastness and the love of their families.

· Concludes with words from the Navi Yeshayahu – Nachamu Nachamu Ami

DM Moshe Ya’alon

· The ceasefire began 24 hours ago following 50 days of warfare.

· The operation began to restore peace to the southern area of the country and elsewhere.

· The southern residents were sent by governments to live where they area, particularly the border communities. Their presence is justified and correct.

· I met with leaders of the communities hit the hardest, residents enduring rocket fire for many years, some losing their loved ones and dearest friends.

· This is a difficult reality.

· We said at the outset we will not tolerate this in the future and if required again in the future, our response will be more forceful.

· Over 1,000 terrorists and senior commanders were killed and the military and rocket infrastructure were destroyed, as were the tunnels.

· Hamas was sent back years.

· Gaza today does not look the way it looked 50 days ago. When the smoke clears in Gaza, many difficult questions will be posed to Hamas leaders.

· Don’t listen to the words of Hamas leaders, those who hid in bunkers under hospitals and schools. Those who are aware of what they were doing. They are now aware the future response will be even more painful.

· Operation Protective Edge was handled responsibly and cool judgment.

· Event when attacked from within, we bit our lips [referring from criticism from cabinet members].

· If required in the future, we will pound Hamas as we have done now.

· I embrace the families who lost loved ones, those who opt to live in the south and along the Gaza border.

· The soldiers who fell in battle were in a justified battle, the most justified possible.

· We remember Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin and we continue doing our utmost to bring their bodies home to their families for a proper burial.

· My sincerest wishes for a total and speedy recovery to the wounded, many of whom I visited.

· I stand behind IDF Chief Gantz, who was the subject of much criticism during the operation. I praise his performance.

· Praise for IDF Chief Gantz, officers, soldiers, the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet), other agencies and citizens of Israel.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz

· We are now in the aftermath of 50 days of warfare.

· It began with the abduction and murder of the three youths.

· The operation was extremely complex from a number of aspects.

· During recent weeks we operated constantly using the IDF’s abilities which have been amassed over the years, land, air and sea.

· There was a harmonious relationship between the intelligence community and the various military branches.

· There was total cooperation with the homefront and the IDF Homefront Command.

· The nation stood firm.

· The collective achievements vis-à-vis Hamas and other terrorist organizations, regarding their commanders, infrastructure and other aspects, were significant.

· The achievement led to our success in impeding their operation and that they will not be attempting to strike in the coming years.

· We did not acquiesce to any of the strategic demands.

· Hamas is aware of the diplomatic gain achieved by Israel.

· Gaza residents have been hostage to Hamas, like a magnet to terrorism.

· The many achievement that have been explained tonight and in previous briefings were significant but costly, claiming the lives of 70 people, military personnel and civilians. This was a heavy price, including a small child. A painful price.

· The plight of Goldin and Shaul is still high on the agenda and everything possible is being done to bring their bodies home for burial.

· All agencies will continue operating as required under any condition.

· Praise and appreciation for IDF officers, soldiers, and the Israeli public.

· With your permission, a number of words to residents of Gaza border communities. They have paid a heavy price and remain there today.

· You realize with each passing hour that we are there at your side. You have firsthand knowledge of the difficulties involved. I cannot find the words to adequately praise you for your endurance and determination during the most difficult of situations.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)