Netanyahu Visits Gaza Strip, Vows to Continue Operations

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) post near the Gaza Strip's "yellow line" on Wednesday, accompanied by IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, and commander of the 99th "Flash" Division Brig. Gen. Elad Tzuri. The Prime Minister received an operational briefing from commanders on the ground regarding IDF activities in the area, ongoing missions, and efforts to neutralize threats and ensure the security of forces and Israeli communities.

During his visit, Netanyahu stated, "I am here inside the Gaza Strip with the Chief of Staff, with the commanding officer of the [Southern] Command and with our heroic commanders and soldiers. We control the area here. You can see Ashkelon from here, you can see all our communities from all directions: Sderot, Netivot, the kibbutzim. We control the area. We are not retreating. We are staying on this line. We control 60% of the Strip, and there is more to come because we are eliminating the terrorists who threaten us, doing so day after day."

Netanyahu also referenced a recent operation, saying, "Yesterday we took out the head of Hamas's security. We will surely learn some things. But we are doing everything to achieve our goal, dismantling Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza. Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel. This goal has largely been achieved, and there is more work to complete, and we will complete it."