Netanyahu: We are still in the middle of Gaza operation

In an address to the nation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is still in the middle of the operation against Islamic Jihad in Gaza.

His comments come despite reports of a ceasefire.

“We have hit Islamic Jihad with the most significant blow it has ever suffered,” says Netanyahu, referring to the killing of three top terror operatives early Tuesday that started the round of violence. The trio were eliminated in three strikes “in two seconds in the middle of the night,” he says.

He hails the development of “new intelligence capabilities, and new operational capabilities,” which together with Israel’s readiness to initiate the campaign, “have created a new equation. We say to the terrorists: We see you everywhere; you cannot hide, and we choose where and when to hit you.”

He says Israel also hit Islamic Jihad’s anti-tank capabilities, weapons stores, and arms manufacturing facilities.

He notes that, to date, “not a single Israeli was hurt” by Islamic Jihad rocket fire, and praises Israeli civilians for heeding Homefront Command orders.

Addressing residents of the south who are bearing the brunt of the rocket attacks, Netanyahu says, “It’s still not over yet,” and thanks them for their fortitude.