Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Early this morning, the Israel Defense Forces attacked three commanders of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a terrorist organization based in Gaza. These terrorists were responsible for firing more than 100 rockets at Israeli cities last week and for many terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians. Israel also attacked ten facilities in Gaza that were used by Palestinian Islamic Jihad to manufacture and store weapons. A week ago, after the rocket attacks against us, and after discussions with the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Staff of the IDF, I authorized attacking these Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists. This morning's targeted attacks were made possible after our intelligence agencies provided accurate information that allowed us to locate these mass murderers before they could launch additional terrorist attacks.

As always, Israel attempted to minimize civilian casualties and the State of Israel regrets any harm caused to non-combatants. The difference between Israel and our enemies is that we do everything we can to keep the enemies' civilian population out of harm's way, while our enemies do everything they can to deliberately attack our civilians. We mourn the loss of innocent lives; They celebrate the loss of innocent lives. No civilized country in the world should ever forget the profound moral difference between Israel, a country that values ​​life, and terrorist organizations that glorify death. Israel's policy is clear: those who seek to harm Israel will be harmed.

Those who kill our citizens will pay a very high price. And those who shoot at our cities and civilians will be held responsible for their actions. It may take time, but ultimately Israel will catch up to these terrorists. No one should doubt Israel's determination to defend its citizens. If this is not clear today, it will be even more so in the future. Israel will do whatever is necessary to protect our State and our people. Israel's policy is clear and our message to terrorists is clear: they can flee. You can hide. But in the end, Israel will get you.