On the one-month anniversary of the "Iron Swords" war, Minister Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's limited security cabinet, made a statement at the Kirya in Tel Aviv this evening, summarizing the difficult period.
"A month ago – we were surprised. Then we got up, we fought, we stopped, we united. So many heroes, so many recruits, so many Israelis rose from the disaster – to defend this country. From rescue battles in Bari and Ofakim, we are now attacking deep inside the Gaza Strip. Our enemies thought they would break us – but they united us. On the 30th anniversary, we fight and grieve. We are building tombstones for our loved ones, and an iron wall against our enemies."
The Israeli flag next to a burnt house in Bari, photo: Oren Ben Hakon
Gantz addressed the abductees and addressed their families: "An entire nation bears the concern and embraces over 200 families whose daughters and sons are in captivity.
I promise that we will do everything to bring them home – by force and by political action. We will fight those who need it, and we will talk to everyone we can. We will not give up the chance to bring anyone back."
The families of the abductees in front of the Knesset, today, photo: Jonathan Zindel/Flash90
In addition, the chairman of the state camp thanked the administration in the United States and the world for backing the IDF's actions in the Gaza Strip and legitimizing the war against Hamas terrorists. "I say here to the international community – there is no place where child murderers are hiding, so be immune.Call on the residents of Gaza to move to shelters in the south, obey the IDF's announcements and not imprison themselves in the death traps of Hamas."
Gantz asked to allow the IDF to operate and not measure time: "We are in a multi-front war. The focus is Gaza – but we are fighting defense and offense both in the north and elsewhere. We attack in the depths of the enemies. Anyone who thinks we manage equations should study the multiplication table. I also promise the residents of the north, you will be able to live in your homes in security and hope. Dean Metula as lawful Tel Aviv as lawful Kfar Gaza. Even if it takes time, this is the order of our existence. This war is unlike anything we have experienced in the past – we are required to fight deep in the field against an enemy that is turning hospitals and schools into operations rooms and weapons depots. The enemy in front of us has no human image – and turns women and children into human shields."
Ground activity by IDF forces in the Gaza Strip, photo: IDF Spokesperson
I understand and hurt all the difficulties: of the evacuees, of the business owners, and of course of the families of the abductees and missing persons, the families who lost their loved ones and those who are dealing with injuries to body and soul. Israeli society bravely passes the test of maturity. I would like to say to all parts of society - there will be time for demonstrations, discussions, debriefings - about everything. Now is the time to fight and win - just that.
The evacuees in Eilat, photo: AFP
Regarding the day after the war, Gantz said: "After we stop, and it will take a long time, we will salute and mourn the passing of so many heroes. After this war, Israel will remain scarred and united. The scars of war that will remain on the body of every Israeli citizen will be turned into badges of heroism. The painful memories will be turned into lessons and an imperative – to remember that we are all together – in the bad, but also in the good.
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