Israel will continue to defend itself for as long as needed, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the nation before dawn Friday as the IDF continued a massive offensive against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
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"We will exact a heavy price from Hamas, we are doing it, and we will continue to do so with great force. The last word hasn't been said yet, and this operation will continue as long as needed," he said.
As violent riots continue in several cities across the country, Netanyahu expressed full support for the Israel Police and other security forces who were working to restore order.
"We give backing to the police to use all means with all the authorizations, including the participation of IDF soldiers, including the participation of the Shin Bet – we have given powers of emergency here. All these measures are important, legitimate and necessary to stop this rioting in the State of Israel," he said.
The prime minister concluded his speech by offering condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the conflict.
"I sympathize with the families that lost their loved ones – the families of five-year-old Ido Avigal and Staff Sgt. Omar Tabib and five other families of five civilians who unfortunately lost their lives. We will act with all our might against enemies from outside and outlaws from within to bring peace back to the State of Israel," he said.
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