Netanyahu said to call for powerful, swift response to Hamas’s execution of 6 hostages

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said during yesterday’s security cabinet meeting that the government should prepare recommendations within 24-48 hours for a strong reaction to Hamas’s execution of six hostages whose bodies were found days later in Gaza.

“We must say clearly that we will respond to this with immense power,” the premier told ministers, according to the Israel Hayom daily.

“The first thing that must be done is to bring, within 24-48 hours, recommendations for exacting a heavy, sharp and very quick price from Hamas. If we don’t do this, we will see more such murders,” he says.

The outlet also quotes the premier as saying a hostage deal with Hamas is still possible, adding that Israel is willing to compromise in some areas, but not on Israeli control of the Philadelphi Corridor.