Israel’s response to the unprecedented and multi-pronged attack by Palestinian gunmen from the Gaza Strip will “change the Middle East,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today.

Addressing the mayors in southern border towns hit by the surprise attack, a statement from the prime minister’s office read the following, without providing further details.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with southern local and regional council heads:
“We are in the midst of a campaign. I know that you have undergone a difficult and terrible ordeal. What Hamas will experience will be difficult and terrible.

– Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 9, 2023

The Prime Minister of Israel said: “I know that you have gone through a terrible and difficult ordeal. What Hamas will go through will be difficult and terrible! We are already in the middle of the campaign and we have just started it. Your leadership is very strong in these difficult days, it will take time, and a strong resolve is required in the difficult days ahead.”

Netanyahu promised that “the state will turn over every stone to help you all” and added that “he asks you to stay strong because we will change the Middle East. I embrace you and the residents, we are all together and we will defeat them with strength, with a lot of strength.”