Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu took to the air waves Wednesday night to reassure the country that the war against Hamas will continue until there is total security, peace and quiet not only for residents in southern Israel but also for all of the country.
The rah-rah speeches by the Prime Minister, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz included nothing that was not said in the past but were a clear message to the people of Israel and to Hamas that the resumption of missile attacks on Israel has deepened the government and military’s resolve to put an end once and for all to nearly a decade of rocket, mortar shell and missile s launched from Gaza at Israel, from the Gaza border to the north.
“We are taking all means to reach the objective and bring complete quiet,” Netanyahu said.” Operation Protective Edge has not ended, not even for a second,”
He recounted the heavy damage the IDF inflicted on the hams terrorist infrastructure but left unsaid that the “heavy blow” to Hamas has not deterred the terrorist organization from continuing to place most of Israel under daily and nightly rocket attacks.
“We will not stop until there is total security to southern Israel and to all citizens of the country,” he added.
“Our policy is simple. Shoot? You will get it back,” Netanyahu asserted. “If Hamas does not understand that today, it will understand tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then in two days because in the Middle East, it not just a matter of force but a matter of continued force.”
The IDF has called up more reservists and has recalled thousands of reservists who have been on an extended leave of absence. Plans for a massive ground incursion have been drawn out although it may be the last option the government and military want to exercise.
The Prime Minister sounds like he means what he says. The goal of the war has changed from destroying terror tunnels to a broader but an indefinite objective that will require an even stronger retaliation.
After nearly a decade, it’s about time, isn’t it?