Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a press conference this evening (Tuesday) together with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet chief Ronan Bar at the end of the cabinet meeting that dealt with Operation Shield and Arrow.
“This morning, the State of Israel carried out a decisive and justified action. In Operation Shield and Arrow, the IDF eliminated the senior leaders of the Islamic Jihad in Gaza. They are responsible for launching the rockets last week and directing many terrorist operations in Judea and Samaria,” Netanyahu began.
He added, “In addition to this, we attacked the central terrorist infrastructure of Islamic Jihad in Gaza, I am speaking first and foremost about the destruction of weapons factories, ammunition and rockets. Already a week ago, against the background of the missile attack on the Gaza periphery communities, I, together with the Minister of Defense, ordered our forces to strike the leaders of the terrorists who were responsible for the shooting.”
“I understand very well the desire to immediately harm those who harm us, it is understandable and natural. But it has already been said that ‘For by wise counsel shall you make war.’ And this is how we act, we will always act against those who seek to take our lives, and we do it on our own terms – at a time and place of our choosing. Countermeasures became possible after a brilliant intelligence effort. We reached them at the same time in their hiding places. We make every effort to avoid harming the uninvolved. This is precisely the difference between us and our enemy, they seek to harm the innocent first on purpose, while we do everything to prevent this,” Netanyahu said.
“While we deplore any harm to civilians, they celebrate any harm to small children, women and men who have no part in the war effort. Our principle is clear, whoever harms us, we harm him. We are in the midst of a campaign, in the coming days we will all be required to be strong and resilient. A week ago, when we made the decision on the operation, I ordered, together with the Minister of Defense, the security forces to prepare for any scenario of escalation, and possibly more than one. Any escalation will be met with a crushing response,” Netanyahu said.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said: “On Tuesday, exactly one week ago, the Islamic Jihad [terror organization] fired rockets indiscriminately at Israeli citizens living in Israel”s south [along the Gaza border]. Not only was this an act of terrorism, but also a clear message – challenging our presence in this country.”
“On that same day, the defense establishment immediately began to prepare the operation to neutralize Islamic Jihad leaders in the Gaza Strip. These murderous leaders were responsible for firing rockets and for orchestrating numerous terror attacks against Israeli citizens,” he continued.
“One of the targets of our operation, Jahed Ahnam, had blood on his hands – the blood of the Hatuel family. He was one of the planners of the horrific attack that took place 19 years ago near the “Kissufim” crossing – the murder of Tali, who was eight months pregnant, along with her four daughters. The additional terrorists [Islamic Jihad leaders], were also involved in numerous terror attacks, and focused primarily on spreading terrorism from the Gaza strip to Israel.
“Overnight, once the conditions enabled it, IDF and ISA forces launched the operation with great determination, power and precision. The objective of the operation was achieved: top leaders of the Islamic Jihad organization were eliminated. We came full circle with Ahnam. Last night, those who tried us, experienced once again, the great strength of the State of Israel and our defense establishment.
“Overnight we demonstrated – for anyone who needed reminding – that we are determined to thwart any threat, and that we will reach anyone who aims or plans to cause us harm. We have done this in the past, we do this today, and we will do so in the future – whenever it may be required. The heavy price we exacted, was the unequivocal response of the State of Israel, to the terrorists who made a grave mistake in thinking that they could threaten the citizens of Israel and then sleep peacefully at night.
“I would like to thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for his leadership, and to express my appreciation for his backing at every stage of the planning process and execution of the operation. I would also like to express my deep appreciation to our security forces in the IDF and ISA – to our combat soldiers, unit commanders, ISA officials and members of the General Staff – thank you for everything you do in defense of our country. This is also an opportunity to personally thank the IDF Chief of the General Staff and Director of the ISA for leading our defense establishment in a professional and responsible manner.
“We know how to replicate the actions taken overnight in every arena, against every threat. Anyone who attempts to test us, should understand that they will come face to face with the full force of our troops. In the fight against terrorism, the State of Israel operates within the framework of a pre-planned, in-depth strategy and policy. We do not act on impulse. In every action we take, we implement our national strategy and policy in accordance with the interests of the State of Israel. We have been blessed with an excellent defense establishment, and with exceptional capabilities.
“It is important to note that the campaign is not behind us. There may be rockets fired at our citizens – both near and far. IDF troops may be required to operate along the Gaza border, in Judea and Samaria and in additional locations. Our defense establishment is prepared for every scenario – including for the possibility of a longer and multifront campaign. I wish our security forces to continue succeeding in their missions and ask the citizens of Israel to adhere to the instructions published by the IDF”s Homefront Command. They are critical and lifesaving,” the Defense Minister concluded.