Gantz: Operation Pillar of Defense reached all goals
IDF chief visits Israelis wounded during operation, says results will soon become apparent; soldier killed by rocket laid to rest.
By JPOST.COM STAFF
Operation Pillar of Defense achieved its objectives, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen.Benny Gantz said Friday, while visiting Israelis wounded during the operation, hospitalized at Soroka University Medical Center in Beersheba.He predicted that the results of the operation would become apparent in due course, while Gazans would understand the extent of the damage caused.Gantz also praised the coordination between the military and political echelons during the operation.“The results will speak for themselves, and I suggest that people don’t get excited about demonstrations against the ending of the operation,” Gantz said. He added that the IDF was now working to ensure that the security situation improves.Earlier Friday, Capt. Boris Yarmulnik, 28, killed by a rocket during the operation, was laid to rest at the military cemetery in the Ben Zion neighborhood of Netanya.Yarmulnik, an IDF reserve soldier, died of his wounds Thursday after being critically wounded in a Wednesday rocket attack in the Eshkol area.Four other soldiers were wounded lightly in the rocket attack Wednesday, and airlifted to hospital.Yarmulnik became the sixth Israeli citizen killed in rocket attacks from Gaza during Operation Pillar of Defense.