PM Netanyahu: The IDF targeted senior Islamic Jihad commander Baha Abu al-Ata. Over the past year, this arch-terrorist was the main instigator of terrorism from the Gaza Strip.pic.twitter.com/T84ifRTh7f
Show this thread
WATCH: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks today at the joint statement with IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi and ISA Director Nadav Argaman (English captions available). Full remarks: https://bit.ly/2pVXulD pic.twitter.com/MlyLRPvXKc
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks
Video: GPO
-
-
-
He initiated, planned and carried out many terrorist attacks. He fired hundreds of rockets at communities in the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip, whose suffering we have seen. He was in the midst of planning additional attacks in the immediate short term. He was a ticking bomb.
Show this thread -
The action to target him had been recommended by the Director of the ISA and the heads of the security agencies. It was discussed by the Security Cabinet in a series of in-depth meetings in recent months.
Show this thread -
The Security Cabinet unanimously approved the final decision to act in this manner ten days ago and authorized me to order that it be carried out at a time suggested by the IDF and the ISA.
Show this thread -
The IDF and the ISA identified a unique window of opportunity to carry out the action, under optimal conditions with maximum chance of success and minimal chance for hitting anyone uninvolved. In light of this I decided to accept their joint recommendation and approved the action
Show this thread -
I congratulate the IDF and the ISA. I would also like to specially congratulate the Air Force and IDF Intelligence for the successful and precise operation.
Show this thread -
The basic assumption of all terrorists is identical. They think that they can attack civilians and concurrently hide behind civilians. However, we have proven that it is possible to attack murderers with minimal harm to innocents.
Show this thread -
Whoever thinks that it is possible to hurt our citizens and evade our long arm – is mistaken. We have proven that we can attack with surgical precision anywhere terrorists hide. Whoever hurts us – we will hurt them.
Show this thread -
Citizens of Israel, I request that you strictly follow the instructions of IDF Home Front Command. These instructions save lives. Do not take unnecessary chances. All that needs to be done is simply to follow these instructions. It is important to your and your families' security
Show this thread -
I would like to reiterate: Israel is not interested in escalation, but will do everything necessary to defend ourselves. And I say in advance: This could take time. Patience and composure are required. The IDF must be allowed to do its work.
Show this thread
End of conversation
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.