From the Liveblog of
Friday, December 1, 2023
Gallant observes Air Force’s strikes on Gaza following Hamas ceasefire violation
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant observed the Israeli Air Force’s wave of strikes in Gaza earlier today from a combat helicopter over the Strip, his office says.
In a video statement from the Tel Nof airbase after the flight, Gallant says “Hamas only understands force.”
“Last night… I approved the continuation of the IDF offensive. This morning, we all saw the meaning of the strikes. It was seen in Israel and by the Hamas terror organization in the Gaza Strip,” Gallant says.
“I watched the attacks and saw their intensity from the cockpit of an Air Force combat helicopter over the Gaza Strip. As I said from the first day, I repeat now, Hamas only understands force,” he continues.
“We will continue to strike [Hamas] until we achieve the goals of the war: Dismantling Hamas, the elimination of its military capabilities and the return of the hostages to their homes. We will continue this mission until a successful ending, and victory over Hamas,” Gallant adds.
According to a statement, Gallant flew in a Boeing AH-64 Apache with the commander of the 190th Squadron, and spoke over the radio with the commander of the 551st Reserve Brigade, Lt. Col. Ido Kass, who is leading ground operations in the Beit Hanoun area.
