Netanyahu after sniper attack: Israel will respond strongly against all violence from Gaza

PM comments on IDF's response to sniper fire on patrol emanating from Gaza earlier on Wednesday.

By HERB KEINON
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (photo credit: REUTERS)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Israel will respond strongly and with determination against all attacks in the south, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday, commenting on the IDF's response to the sniper fire from Gaza.
“We will respond with force every time there is an attempt to disturb the quiet that was attained in the south after Operation Protective Edge,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz said Israel would not accept a deterioration in the security situation on the Gaza border.
“Hamas needs to understand that if it continues to undermine the security situation on the Gaza border, it risks a harsh Israeli response, which could turn into a comprehensive military campaign to demolish its government and military infrastructure,” he said.
Meanwhile, the UN's deputy Mideast envoy, James Rawley, issued a statement urging all parties to maintain and reinforce the August 26 cease fire that put an end to Operation Protective Edge.
The statement said that Rawley “is deeply concerned by reports of exchange of fire between Palestinian militants and the IDF in the southern Gaza Strip today, which resulted in casualties on both sides. This follows a series of armed incidents since the end of November.”