Gantz praises security forces for ‘quick and efficient’ response to terror attack

Defense Minister Benny Gantz hails Israeli security forces’ quick response to a deadly terror attack earlier in the day.

“Today, we received a reminder of the reality we live in, as the family of the bereaved are joined by Eliyahu Kay — may his memory be blessed — a veteran of the Paratroopers [Brigade], who made aliyah from South Africa specifically to enlist and stayed, working at the Western Wall,” Gantz says, using the Hebrew term for immigrating to Israel.

“I want to send my condolences to his family and to wish a speedy recovery to the injured, both the other civilians and the security force members who acted quickly and efficiently in order to neutralize the terrorist,” he says.

This morning, a Hamas gunman opened fire at Israeli civilians walking through the Old City of Jerusalem, near the Western Wall, killing Kay and injuring four other men. Within seconds, Israeli police officers who were nearby returned fire, killing the terrorist.

“We will continue to fight terrorism with every tool and on every front. Any place that terrorism raises its head, we will be sure to cut it down,” Gantz says.

The defense minister makes his remarks at a ceremony in honor of wounded veterans and people injured in terror attacks.