Netanyahu praises IDF soldiers, security forces for preventing greater tragedy during fatal multi-pronged terror attack in South.
By JPOST.COM STAFF, GREER FAY CASHMANPrime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu after Eilat attack 311(photo credit: GPO / Avi Ohayon)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Thursday responded to terror attacks in the South that killed seven and wounded dozens more, saying, "Those who think Israel will accept attacks on its citizens is wrong."Netanyahu said that the attacks on Israel from Sinai in Egypt constituted an attempt to raise the level of terror.RELATED:Additional shooting attack north of Eilat, one injuredErekat warns Israel against 'irresponsible action' in GazaThe prime minister said that Israel "responds immediately and with strength" to terror attacks against its citizens.Prior to Netanyahu's televised statement, the IDF attacked terror targets in Rafah in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, in response to the terror attacks. Six Palestinians were killed in the joint IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) strike.Among those killed was the chief of the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), Kamal al-Nairab. The five others that were killed were also members of the terrorist faction.Netanyahu praised the IDF and Shin Bet "for killing in Gaza the leaders of the group who carried out the terror attack in the South."The prime minister praised IDF soldiers and security forces who prevented a greater tragedy from occurring with their actions against the terrorists.Netanyahu sent his condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks and wished those who were injured a swift recovery.On Thursday evening, President Shimon Peres called Eilat Mayor Meir Yitzhak Halevi and Eilot Regional Council Head Udi Gut to express his empathy with the residents of the region, and his outrage that such an attack could take place.Peres told the two local leaders that the attack was part of a series against innocent civilians within Israel's borders, and an attempt to disrupt the routine life of the population.
Peres was absolutely convinced that the IDF will track down the perpetratorsand anyone connected with the what he called "an outrageous terrorist attack" and bring them to justice. He was equally sure that the general public has full confidence in the ability of the IDF to maintain security in the area.Peres also said that he had been impressed by the swift reaction of rescue operators, doctors, and social workers and expressed condolences to the families of victims of the attack. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured.Yaakov Katz and Reuters contributed to this report.Click for full Jpost coverage
