From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Gantz: Israel seeking long-term calm on Gaza border but ‘ready for any scenario’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Defense Minister Benny Gantz and his deputy Alon Schuster tour the military’s Gaza Division and meet with IDF generals to discuss the consequences of and conclusions from the recent 11 days of fighting with the Hamas terror group.
“Israel is ready for any scenario — an agreement or an escalation,” Gantz warns after the meeting.
Gantz says Israel will continue to work with Egypt and other international bodies to ensure “the quiet remains long-term, that the citizens of Gaza can enjoy economic wellbeing, and that all the boys can return home,” referring to the missing Israelis and bodies of IDF soldiers held by Hamas.
“At the same time, we are also operationally preparing by compiling hundreds of new targets in order to protect the residents of the south and remove any threat,” the defense minister adds.
Regarding Qatari aid to Gaza, Gantz says “Israel greatly appreciates Qatar’s contribution to stability.” He adds that his office is working to find a new way to transfer the funds so they strengthen the Palestinian Authority and ensure the “wellbeing of Gaza residents who suffer from Hamas’ terrorism.”
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