Netanyahu Hints at ‘Extensive Campaign’ in Gaza, Prepared for ‘Comprehensive’ Gaza Operation
- Netanyahu hints at ‘extensive campaign’ in Gaza
by David Rosenberg, http://www.israelnationalnews.com/
PM orders IDF to prepare for ‘extensive campaign’ in Gaza Strip following rocket attacks, says Israel fighting war on multiple fronts.
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Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who also serves as Israel’s Defense Minister, has ordered the IDF to prepare for an “extensive” military campaign in the Gaza Strip, following a wave of rocket attacks from the Hamas-ruled coastal enclave this week.
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During a visit to the Gaza front Thursday, the Prime Minister inspected IDF staging areas near the Gaza border, and received security briefings from GOC Ground Forces Maj.-Gen. Kobi Barak, and divisional and brigade commanders, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.
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During an address at the opening of a new segment of Highway 6 after his visit to the Gaza border area, Netanyahu said the IDF was “tightening” security around Gaza, and was preparing for an “extensive campaign” on the southern front.
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“I come now from the border with the Gaza Strip,” said Netanyahu. “I met with divisional and brigade commanders who are on the first line. We are tightening the security ring around the Gaza Strip.”
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“I recently ordered that the units be reinforced, that tools be added, in preparation for an extensive campaign. All citizens of Israel know that if an extensive campaign is necessary – we will go into it strong and secure, after all other possibilities have been exhausted.”
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– - Netanyahu says prepared for ‘comprehensive’ Gaza operation
by Jerusalem (AFP), via https://www.france24.com/en/
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday Israel is prepared for a widespread military campaign in Gaza as tensions simmered following the latest flare-up — but only after all other options were exhausted.
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Netanyahu has been seeking to head off political pressure over Gaza ahead of April 9 elections, in which he faces a strong challenge from former military chief Benny Gantz.
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“In recent days I gave instructions to fortify forces, to add vehicles, to be prepared for a comprehensive campaign,” he said during the inauguration of a new road in northern Israel. The premier, who was speaking after visiting military forces on the Gaza border, noted however that a war would be the last option.
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“All Israelis should know that if a comprehensive campaign is required, we will enter it strong and safe, after we have exhausted all other possibilities,” said Netanyahu, who also serves as defence minister.
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Palestinian militants had on Monday fired a long-distance rocket from the Gaza Strip, hitting a house north of Tel Aviv and wounding seven Israelis, triggering Israeli air strikes and further Palestinian fire at southern Israel. Netanyahu beefed up the military presence near Gaza, but by Wednesday the fighting had abated.
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Israel has been carefully monitoring the situation on the Gaza border ahead of Saturday, which will mark a year since mass protests and deadly clashes began there. A demonstration on the day of the anniversary is expected to draw thousands of Palestinians.
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