From the Liveblog of
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Gantz: All of Israel united, government has full support; Israel can be surprised but not beaten
Benny Gantz, the leader of the opposition National Unity party, pledges support for the security and emergency forces and says Israel is “completely unified.”
“I want to say clearly, in a way that resonates from Gaza, via Beirut, to Tehran: The entire people of Israel are united,” he says. “All Israel’s citizens stand behind the security forces, and the government has the backing to charge a heavy, painful and effective price in order that an event like this is not repeated.”
“There is no coalition and opposition now,” Gantz adds, “just a single fist that will pound the enemy.”
He says all those involved in this attack are destined to die, and that any other terror groups that decide to take part “will be making a terrible mistake.”
“It must be honestly said: the results of this attack are grave. Soon, some of the rumors will be confirmed as bad and painful news for us all. I send my condolences to the families of the fallen… and pray for the recovery of all the injured.”
He hails the bravery of civilians, the emergency services and soldiers. “Israel can be taken by surprise, but it cannot be beaten, as we will prove this time as well,” Gantz says.
