The Israeli Security Council earlier this afternoon approved a land operation in the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during the extraordinary meeting of the Civil Security Cabinet, set as the primary goal of the Israeli army the complete clearing of the country’s territories from Hamas militants.

“As of this morning, the State of Israel is at war. Our first objective is first and foremost to clear the area of the enemy forces that have infiltrated and to restore security and peace to the settlements that were attacked,” the Israeli prime minister had to his interlocutors.

According to him, “The second objective, at the same time, is to demand that the enemy pay a huge price for what he has done so far. The third objective is to fortify other areas so that no one will dare and make the mistake of entering this war.”

Netanyahu noted that “in war, one must keep one’s cool. I call on all citizens of Israel to unite in order to achieve our highest goal, victory.”