9:45PM IL: Defense Minister Ehud Barak addressed the nation in a live broadcast from his office in the Defense Ministry.

There have been four deaths in the first week of the war and 25 injured. The decision has been with the realization the current situation cannot be permitted to continue.

As I said the beginning, the operation will be increased and expanded as required, and now, the reality demands an expansion to the ground forces phase. This was only decided upon after much contemplation, weighing all options, coming to the realization this is a necessary reality towards restoring peace to citizens. We know there will be a price to be paid. We owe this to citizens, to permit them to live in peace. The army is responsible to protect the homefront.

I see the soldiers before my eyes, endangering their lives, as one who was a soldier, officer and one who led troops into battle, I am well-aware of the dangers, the realities and the price such an operation can demand. Therefore, I did not hesitate to think, rethink and review every aspect of the operation and the options.

For the southern area residents, the days ahead will not be easy. The north is currently quiet and it is my sincere hope that it will remain this way, and there are not elements who feel that may optimize on the current warfare in the south.

The operation was approved by the entire cabinet and the prime minister, and it will continue for as long as necessary. I would like to thank Israel Police, MDA, local government heads, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) Director Yuval Diskin, Mossad Intelligence Agency Director Meir Dagan.

(Written and posted on motzei Shabbos in Eretz Yisrael – Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)