Israel Defense Forces prepared for another long night Wednesday after security consultations held during the day at IDF Southern Command HQ in Be’er Sheva.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met with Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz and GOC Southern Command Maj.-Gen. Sammy Turgeman in the Negev city, which has been hit repeatedly by Grad Katyusha missile fire from Gaza.
“We have decided to further increase the assault on Hamas and the terrorist organizations in Gaza,” Netanyahu said. “The IDF is prepared for all possibilities. Hamas will pay a heavy price for firing at Israel’s citizens.
“The security of Israel’s citizens is our primary consideration. Our military is strong, the home front is steadfast and our people are united. This combination is our response to the terrorist organizations that want to attack us.
“We are all united in the mission to strike at the terrorist organizations and restore quiet. The operation will be expanded and will continue until the firing at our communities stops and quiet is restored. I ask that the public continue to listen to the instructions from IDF Home Front Command – they save lives. On behalf of Israel’s citizens, I thank all IDF soldiers and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) intelligence personnel who are participating in the operation.”
By 8 pm, Israel had struck more than 160 targets during the day Wednesday in Gaza.