Netanyahu: We will not ignore even one rocket from Gaza
After tense weekend on border with Gaza, Netanyahu says Hamas will be held responsible for rocket attacks.
By JPOST.COM STAFF, KHALED ABU TOAMEHNetanyahu at Hanukka candle lighting ceremony at Western Wall(photo credit: YONATAN ZINDEL/POOL)
Israel's safety is the number one priority, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday, regarding a rocket from Gaza that landed in Israel on Friday and an IAF attack on a Hamas cement factory on Saturday in response.Speaking during a Hannuka candle lighting ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said "I want to thank you soldiers for your contribution to Israel's safety. Israel's safety comes first. I won't allow even one rocket, and that is why the IAF responded to the rocket and destroyed a cement factory that was making cement to repair tunnels that were hit during Operation Protective Edge. Hamas will be held responsible for every escalation. We will protect Israel's safety. Happy holidays to everyone," he said.Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon also spoke on Saturday evening saying that Israel will not tolerate a new "trickle" of rockets from Gaza."Last night's IAF airstrike in Gaza, which was in response to Friday's rocket attack, was on a factory making cement that would be used to build tunnels. It is a clear message to Hamas that we won't put up with a 'trickle' of rockets on our citizens. We hold Hamas responsible for what happens in the strip, and we know how to respond to the attacks if they don't know how to stop them," Ya'alon said.Hamas on Saturday accused Israel of violating the cease-fire by launching the air strike.Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said that the airstrike was a “grave breach of the Egyptian-brokered” cease-fire that was reached with Israel last August.Haniyeh called on Egypt to “move quickly to force Israel to abide by the cease-fire agreement.”Salah Bardaweel, a senior Hamas official, accused Israel of “tampering with the cease-fire.” He called on the international community to assume its responsibilities to stop the Israeli “violations.”Bardaweel claimed that the airstrikes, which did not result in any casualties, were part of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s electoral campaign.Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri warned Israel against any “stupid” moves that could lead to a serious deterioration. He too called on the international community to intervene to stop the Israeli attacks.
