Gantz says Israel not interested in targeting Gazan civilians, but ‘will destroy those who threaten us’

Defense Minister Benny Gantz speaks at the Kirya military headquarters on August 5, 2022. (Elad Malka)
Defense Minister Benny Gantz speaks at the Kirya military headquarters on August 5, 2022. (Elad Malka)

Speaking after Lapid, Defense Minister Benny Gantz stresses that Israel is not targeting Gaza in general or ordinary Gazans, but rather “those who are responsible for the deterioration.” He stresses that Islamic Jihad is responsible for the damage to the security and the economy of Gazans.

Noting that Islamic Jihad’s leader Ziad Nakhaleh is currently in Tehran, Gantz says that while he is there, the residents of Gaza are suffering. He also says that Hamas’s rule over Gaza, and its dire consequences, has to stop.

“We will destroy those who threaten us,” he warns, referring to former senior PIJ commander Baha Abu al-Ata who was assassinated by the IDF in 2019.

“This reality can and must be changed,” Gantz adds.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.