Israeli Benjamin Netanyahu writes to address its citizenry about a surprise attack that shook the nation on early Saturday which many world leaders have condemned:
Dear citizens of Israel,
Hamas forces invaded Israeli territory this morning, on the morning of a holiday and Shabbat, and murdered innocent civilians, children and the elderly. Hamas started a cruel and evil war.
We will win this war, but the price is too heavy to bear. This is a very difficult day for all of us.
Hamas wants to murder us all. It is an enemy who murders children and mothers in their homes, in their beds. An enemy who kidnaps the elderly, children, girls. Murderers who slap and slaughter our citizens, our children, who all in all went out to spend the holiday.
What happened today is not seen in Israel – and I will make sure that it does not happen again. The entire government stands behind this decision.
The IDF will immediately use all its strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities. We will cripple them to the point of destruction and we will take revenge with might for this black day they have brought upon the State of Israel and its citizens. As Bialik said: “Satan has not yet created blood revenge for a small child.”
All the places where Hamas is organized, of this city of evil, all the places where Hamas hides, operates from – we will turn them into cities of ruins.
I say to the residents of Gaza: get out of there now, because we will act everywhere and with all the strength.
At this time, IDF forces are clearing the last settlements of terrorists. They are going settlement by settlement, house by house and returning control to our hands.
I send a hug and condolences from the bottom of my heart, to the bereaved families whose loved ones were murdered today in cold blood and with endless cruelty.
We all also pray for the peace of the wounded and all those held hostage. I say to Hamas: You are responsible for their safety. Israel will come to account with anyone who harms one hair of their head.
I am turning from here to the residents of the south – we all stand by your side, we are all proud of you for standing bravely, for fighting.
To our beloved IDF soldiers, policemen, security personnel – remember that you are continuing the line of heroes of the people of Israel, of Yehoshua ben Nun, Judah the Maccabee, the heroes of 588 and all Israel’s wars. You are now fighting for the home of all of us, for the future of all of us. We are all with you, we all love you, we all salute you.
To the medical and rescue teams, and to the many volunteers who showed up in force today in a long series of places – the people of Israel salute you. With the power of your spirit we will overcome our enemies.
I spoke a few hours ago today with President Biden and with the leaders of the countries of the world to ensure Israel’s freedom of action for the continuation of the campaign. I thank President Biden for his clear and strong words. I thank the French President, the British Prime Minister and many other leaders for your unreserved support for Israel.
I am now addressing all citizens of Israel,
We stand together in the battle.
This war will take time. She will be hard. Challenging days are still ahead. But I can guarantee one thing: with the help of God, with the help of the joint forces of all of us, with the help of our faith in the eternity of Israel – we will win.
