At scene of deadly shooting, Netanyahu says Israel fighting ‘mighty war against terror’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the scene of this morning’s deadly terror shooting at the Ramot Junction in Jerusalem, saying that Israel is in a “mighty war against terror.”

“A mighty war against terror is taking place on all fronts,” the premier says in an address to Israeli media at the site of the attack, offering his condolences to the families of the five murdered victims and wishing a speedy recovery to the additional 11 injured.

“We are now pursuing and encircling the villages where the terrorists came from,” he adds. The two terrorists, both West Bank Palestinians, hail from towns southeast of Ramallah — Qatanna and Al-Qubeibah.

“The fighting continues in the Gaza Strip,” Netanyahu continues, saying Israel “will destroy Hamas as we promised and free our hostages—all of our hostages.”

“Sadly, the war also continues in Jerusalem and in Judea and Samaria, where we have acted with great force,” he says, using the biblical term for the West Bank, adding that “The Shin Bet and the IDF thwarted hundreds [of attacks], and the Israel Police also thwarted hundreds this year.”

“But unfortunately, not this morning,” he says.

The premier’s remarks are cut off during the live footage, before he is heard saying, “They only increase our determination to complete our missions — also in Judea and Samaria, everywhere,” apparently referring to the terrorists.

Netanyahu thanks the press at the scene before immediately departing the area.