Following 'black day', Netanyahu and Gallant vow revenge

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
8 Oct 2023 00:31

Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant says Hamas will understand very quickly that it has made a mistake.

Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant talks to reporters ahead of the weekly cabinet meeting in Occupied Al-Quds, on Sept. 10, 2023 (AP)

In a filmed video statement, the Israeli security minister Yoav Gallant warned that "Israel" will be operating at full force commenting on Operation Al-Aqsa Flood which took the Israeli security establishment by storm.

"Hamas has launched a brutal attack against the citizens of the State of Israel. Hamas will understand very quickly that it has made a mistake - a grave mistake, and will pay a price for it," Gallant said.

"Fifteen years ago, as Head of the Southern Command, I came close to destroying Hamas however I was stopped by the political establishment. This will not continue. We will change reality on the ground in Gaza for the next 50 years. What was before, will be no more. We will operate at full force."

Israel Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant:

“Today we saw the face of evil. The Hamas terrorists, We will change reality on the ground in Gaza for the next 50 years.

What was before, will be no more. We will operate at full force. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EcSSqlxzkM
— BALA (@erbmjha) October 7, 2023

In the same context, the Israeli Occupation Prime Minister vowed vengeance on what he described as a "black day".

"The IDF is about to use all its force to destroy Hamas' capabilities," Netanyahu said in a brief televised statement.

"We'll strike them to the bitter end and avenge with force this black day they brought on Israel and its people," he said.

Earlier today, Israeli media reported that Israeli settlers in the Gaza Envelope are pleading for help, decrying the army's impotence and abandonment. Meanwhile, footage showed a mass exodus of Israeli settlers following Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

Meanwhile, the settlers are staying inside amid the ongoing firing of rockets by the Palestinian Resistance. Palestinian fighters have also crossed over to the settlements near Gaza, taking control of several positions belonging to the Israeli occupation forces.

The death toll from #OperationAlAqsaFlood has risen to 250 with 1,452 injured as the #Palestinian factions continue their unprecedented operation which was launched today at dawn.

The operation included land and sea infiltrations into occupied territories, targeting police… pic.twitter.com/aN5xXAiCPZ
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 7, 2023

Concurrently, the Israeli army has begun calling up reserves, opening shelters, and advising settlers to stay in fortified locations. Israeli media also reported that "the settlers are afraid, shocked, and frustrated, and they are pleading for help from the army."

The Biden administration provided briefings to House and Senate intelligence committee staff members about the ongoing situation in "Israel," Politico reported on Saturday, noting that questions are being raised on whether the US and "Israel" had any knowledge prior to Hamas launching its resistance operation.

The briefings, conducted at the classified level, raised questions about why Israeli intelligence appeared to be unaware of the operation. Staff members are particularly interested in investigating potential lapses in intelligence, considering it a plausible scenario at this time.

"That something of this size could be pulled off, I can tell you that that is not done without a lot of observable signals," said Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee. "It was kind of shocking in its size and ambition."