Netanyahu: Tunnel discovery on Gaza border is 'pioneering achievement' for Israel

"This is a continuous effort that demands great determination, and to which we are committed.”

By HERB KEINON
Updated: APRIL 18, 2016 16:44
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) visits troops near Gaza border with Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon (L) and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot (R) (file photo) (photo credit: CHAIM TZACH/GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) visits troops near Gaza border with Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon (L) and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot (R) (file photo)
(photo credit: CHAIM TZACH/GPO)
The discovery and neutralization of the terrorist attack tunnel from Gaza into Israel is a “pioneering achievement” and significant breakthrough, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday.
Netanyahu said that the government has invested a “fortune” in the technology enabling the discovery and then destruction of the tunnels. “This is a continuous effort that demands great determination, and to which we are committed,” he said.
Netanyahu said that Israel will respond in force to every effort to attack its citizens, whether by sea, air, land or underground. “I am certain Hamas understands this,” he said.
To the residents of the communities around Gaza, Netanyahu said that the IDF was working “around the clock to ensure your security and the fabric of your lives." He said he appreciated both their confidence in the IDF and their calm.
“A combination of the physical destruction of the tunnels, defensive elements that have been set up, deterrence and offensive capabilities – along with the strength of the public – enable us to defend our citizens and ensure the continue flowering of the Negev communities," he said.