Israel may target Hamas leaders, Gantz says

IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz says Israel is prepared to strike Hamas leaders when they emerge from hiding, and warns that the IDF will retaliate strongly if the terror organization resumes its attacks on Israel.

“Its commanders sit in their bunkers in hiding, and everywhere we can hit them, we will hit, if we want to,” he says. “They will go outside when they please — if they do, they will see the extent of the damage to their fighters and the damage in the Gaza Strip, which unfortunately, is because of Hamas. I hope this lesson will be internalized in the Gaza Strip, because we will not hesitate to continue to mobilize our forces as necessary to ensure the security of Israeli citizens,” he says.

He adds that the responsibility for the civilian casualties lies with Hamas, as they are embedded in civilian areas, and says the IDF has struck a significant blow to the terror organization.

“We aren’t done,” he says. “If there are incidents, we will respond to them.”

Gantz also urges the residents of the Gaza border towns to return home.

“I am convinced the residents can return to their houses, develop their fields, live well here, just as it was before,” he says.

“Just as there was peace here before, it will be even quieter after [the operation]. The IDF is not going anywhere. It remains to protect, to make breakthroughs, to seek the next challenges, and together with the citizens we will continue to enhance the security in this area.”