Gantz says he’ll weigh targeted killings of Hamas chiefs if elected PM

Prime ministerial hopeful Benny Gantz says he’ll consider reintroducing targeted killings of Hamas leaders in response to Gaza border violence if his Blue and White party forms the next government.

In a campaign tour of communities near the Gaza Strip, Gantz criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu’s policies toward the Palestinian territory in response to frequent clashes over the past year and vows to take a tougher stance.

“In the 3.5 years after [Operation] Protective Edge there was complete calm. No rockets, balloons or kites,” Gantz says, referring to the Gaza war he commanded as IDF chief.

“When we form the government we’ll change this tired policy and implement a very firm and tough one,” he adds.

While saying he would work to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza, Gantz warns he won’t respond lightly to any attacks from the coastal enclave.

“If they attack us or violate our sovereignty, we’ll implement a tough policy,” he says. “If there is a need we will return to a policy of targeted killings.”

גנץ בביקור היום בעוטף עזה במסר לחמאס בעזה: "בממשלתי, אם נצטרך נחזור לסיכולים הממוקדים" pic.twitter.com/tc8tXqKOko

— matan tzuri מתן צורי (@MatanTzuri) March 13, 2019