Netanyahu Threatens Overwhelming Response to Climbing Attempts
Israel Launches Airstrikes on Gaza Strip
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Israeli Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi held a joint press conference after Israel launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu praised the night airstrikes, stating that “this is the difference between us and them.” He warned that any escalation by the militants would be met with an overwhelming response.
Gallant confirmed that the operation had achieved all its objectives and noted that “the operations are not over yet.” He stated that the security agency is ready for any scenario. The leadership of Islamic Jihad in Gaza has been killed.
Similarly, Chief of General Staff Halevi pointed out that the operation was necessary due to ongoing attacks against Israel from Gaza. He emphasized that the operations will expand as much as necessary, stating that the targets were hidden in settlements, and Israel made every effort not to harm civilians during the operations.
However, 13 Palestinians were killed and 20 injured in the airstrikes. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes targeted Khalil Bahitini, one of the commanders of the Islamic Jihad Movement, who served in the Jerusalem Brigades in the north of Gaza Strip. Also, Tariq Ezzaldin, the spokesman of the same movement who led retaliatory operations in the West Bank, and the movement’s spokesperson Jihad Ghanem were killed.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, and Israel is prepared for any escalation by militants.
