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Prime Minister Binymain Netanyahu on Wednesday, 16 Sivan, at the Nachalat Yitzhak cemetery in Tel Aviv, addressed the memorial ceremony for the victims of the Altalena. Following is an excerpt from his remarks:

“Since yesterday the IDF has strongly retaliated against the firing from the Gaza Strip and has hit dozens of terrorist targets in the severest blow we have landed on them in years.

The Hamas regime, Islamic Jihad and the other terrorist organizations, inspired by Iran, that are responsible for the escalation. I will not detail our plans because I do not want the enemy to know what to expect. But one thing is clear: When they test us, they pay immediately. And if they continue testing us, they will pay dearly.

I salute the fighters of the IDF and the security forces and I commend the resilience of the residents of the south.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu also said:

“Next week I am going to Germany, France and Britain. I will meet with Chancellor Merkel, President Macron and Prime Minister May.

I will present them with the latest strategic developments in our region, which are connected to the efforts to halt Iranian aggression in Syria and elsewhere.

We will not allow Iran to arm itself with nuclear weapons. We will continue to act against its intention to establish a military presence in Syria opposite us, not just opposite the Golan Heights but anywhere in Syria.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)