Prime Minister Yair Lapid held a security situation assessment on Friday evening as Operation Breaking Dawn saw the IDF hammer Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets across the Gaza Strip following days of heightened tensions and threats by the Iranian-backed terrorist group.
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PM-Designate Naftali Bennett, Defense Minister Benny Gantz, IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, National Security Council Adviser Professor Eyal Hulata, Israel Security Agency Director Ronen Bar, and senior Southern Command officers were present at the meeting, the Prime Minister's Office said.
"The security and quality-of-life of the residents in the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip border are our top priority," Lapid said ahead of the meeting.
"The Israeli government will not allow terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip to set the agenda in the Gaza vicinity area and threaten Israeli civilians. Anyone who tries to harm Israel should know: we will find you. Security forces will act against Islamic Jihad terrorists to eliminate the threat they pose to Israel's citizens," he said, adding, "We are working to ensure the residents of southern Israel can resume their daily routine as quickly as possible. This is our responsibility."
Prime Minister Yair Lapid, this evening:
"Israel carried out a precise counter-terror operation against an immediate threat.
Our fight is not with the people of Gaza. https://t.co/N5XU4nru0i pic.twitter.com/zx4wVOmxWe
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) August 5, 2022
Following the meeting, Lapid and Gantz issued a joint statement saying, "A short while ago, the IDF struck Islamic Jihad targets in the Gaza Strip. The goal of this operation is the elimination of a concrete threat against Israeli civilians living in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip, as well as the targeting of terrorists and their sponsors. The IDF is coordinating its operational activity with the ISA and intelligence bodies."
The two also held a televised press conference on Friday night.
"The goal of Operation Breaking Dawn to protect the State of Israel and the citizens of Israel," Gantz asserted. "We will not allow anyone to threaten or harm the citizens of Israel. Whoever tries to do so – will get hurt.
"As chief of staff and defense minister, I led a number of operations in the Gaza Strip. I understand very well the national responsibility that leaders shoulder and we will carry it. I also know that we have the full backing of the public.
"The IDF, the Shin Bet and all the security and emergency forces know what needs to be done and you, the public, will give us the backing needed to get it done," he said.
🚨#IsraelUnderAttack🚨 https://t.co/NUipWPjr4H
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) August 5, 2022
Urging Israelis to heed the Home Front Command's directives, Gantz pledged, "Together, with determination, we will reach our goals; we will resort the peace, and we will exact a heavy price from those who sought to disrupt our lives."
As he was speaking, the Iranian-backed PIJ launched a massive rocket salvo at southern and central Israel, firing over 100 rockets. The IDF said over half of the projectiles hit open areas, and those posing a threat were successfully intercepted by the Iron Dome defense systems.
Addressing the public, Lapid reiterated that Operation Breaking Dawn was launched following "concrete threats" against Israel.
"This government has a zero tolerance policy for any attacks – of any kind – from Gaza at Israel," he stated. "Israel will not sit idly by when there are those who are trying to harm its citizens."
The conflict with Islamic Jihad, violence poses an early test for Lapid, who assumed the role of caretaker prime minister ahead of elections in November in which he hopes to keep the position. He has experience in diplomacy, having served as foreign minister in the outgoing government, but his security credentials are thin.
Hamas also faces a dilemma in deciding whether to join a new battle – barely a year after the last war caused widespread devastation. According to Israeli media, Israel has made it clear to Hamas that its conflict is with the Islamic Jihad, and warned Gaza's rulers against stepping into the fray.
Below is the full text of PM Lapid's remarks:
"Approximately four hours ago, the IDF, in coordination with the Israel Security Agency, struck Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza. Among those killed were Tayseer Jabari, one of Islamic Jihad's two most senior commanders, as well as members of a cell preparing to launch an anti-tank missile attack against Israel.
"The directive we gave security forces was clear: Israel will not sit idly by when there are those who are trying to harm its civilians. This government has a zero-tolerance policy for any attacks – of any kind – from Gaza.
"The Israeli government will not allow terrorist organizations in Gaza to set the agenda in the Gaza vicinity area and threaten Israeli civilians. I would like to thank Defense Minister Benny Gantz, the IDF and its commanders, led by Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, and the ISA led by Ronen Bar, for the quality of their intelligence and for their precise execution of the mission.
"At the same time, we will not accept any ultimatums regarding the operations of Israeli security forces – on any front – and any attempt to harm Israeli civilians or soldiers will be met with a forceful response."
The campaign was launched over "concrete threats that disrupted the daily routine in southern Israel. Israel isn't interested in a wider conflict in Gaza, but will not shy away from one, either," he asserted.
"Israel carried out a precise counterterror operation against an immediate threat. Our fight is not with the people of Gaza.
"However long it may take – we will eliminate the threat to our citizens," he continued. "Israelis are strong and they understand the importance of deterrence. Our security forces are prepared to face any attack."
"Islamic Jihad is an Iranian proxy that wants to destroy the State of Israel and kill innocent Israelis. The head of Islamic Jihad is in Tehran as we speak. We will do whatever it takes to defend our people."
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