Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently holding a joint press conference with Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Minister Benny Gantz. In the background of the tragic incident in which three abductees were accidentally killed by IDF fire.
Netanyahu: "We are at war for our existence. This war must continue until victory despite international pressure and despite the heavy price. The State of Israel mourns the loss of our three abductees. When they updated me on the terrible tragedy, it shocked me. The abductees survived the inferno for 70 days, they really touched redemption, and that's when disaster happened. It broke my heart, it broke the whole nation's heart.
Netanyahu, Galant and Gantz, Photo: AP
"Since yesterday's tragedy, I have been haunted by one thought: What would have happened if only something had been different, and I'm sure you all share that thought. We were so close to hugging them now, but unfortunately you can't turn back time. Anyone who has fought on the battlefield knows that the space between victory and disaster is a thread. We will learn the lessons. With all my deep sorrow, I would like to explain, military pressure is also important for the return of the hostages.
"The instruction I give to the negotiating team is based on this pressure, and without it we have nothing. Even today, in fierce battles in Jabaliya and Sejaiya, we have lost dear heroes, fighters and dedicated commanders.
"I repeat to our friends, we are more determined than ever to continue until the end, until we eliminate Hamas, until we return all our abductees, and until we ensure that in Za'a there is no educator for terrorism. It's not politics, it's policy, it's my policy. The debate between Hamas and Fatah is not whether to destroy the State of Israel, but how to do it. According to a survey conducted in recent days, 82 percent of the Arabs of Judea and Samaria justify the massacre.
"To this day, the leaders refuse to condemn, and will they rule Gaza? Didn't we learn anything? Friends must tell the truth and not cultivate illusions, much less on an existential issue like this. I repeat to our friends, after the elimination of Hamas, the Gaza Strip will be demilitarized, it will be under Israeli control and there will be no element that threatens Israel."
Prime Minister Netanyahu, photo: Haim Goldberg/Flash90
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