Prime Minister Netanyahu says Hamas, Islamic Jihad will pay a heavy price

In a live statement to Israelis, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror groups will “pay a heavy price” for their attacks on central and southern Israel.

“Their blood is on their own hands,” Netanyahu says of the terror groups’ leadership.

The prime minister says the military has so far struck hundreds of targets in the Gaza Strip and will continue to conduct raids in the enclave.

“We have eliminated dozens of terrorists, including senior commanders. We have bombed Hamas command centers and toppled buildings that serve the terrorist organizations. We will continue to attack with all force,” he says.

“This will take time,” he says, but “with determination, unity and strength, we will restore security to the people of Israel.”

Netanyahu calls on Israelis to follow all safety instructions issued by authorities.