From the Liveblog of
Friday, July 4, 2025
Netanyahu also visits Ofakim, hails local bravery on Oct. 7, says Israel’s ‘spiritual power’ is defeating Hamas
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After visiting Kibbutz Nir Oz near Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara also visited the nearby city of Ofakim earlier this evening, meeting with local victims of the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, onslaught, as well as with soldiers who fought off terrorists that day, the premier’s office says.
The Netanyahus, accompanied by Ofakim Mayor Itzik Danino, Deputy Minister Almog Cohen and Likud MK Boaz Bismuth, meet local hero Rachel Edry, who calmly offered cookies to terrorists who invaded her Ofakim home on October 7, and her son Evyatar. They also light memorial candles and meet bereaved families.
“There were supreme acts of bravery here by men and women who showed up at the right moment,” Netanyahu says in remarks provided by his office. “I think the nation of Israel is showing immense mental strength, valor and bravery, and a great striving for life in the face of those seeking to destroy us. Our willpower is stronger than theirs, our fighting power is stronger than theirs. And in the end, this spiritual power of ours is defeating them.”
He says Israel will return “all our hostages” and “eliminate” Hamas.
The Times of Israel Community.