Israel achieved its main goals during Operation Breaking Dawn, an extensive Israeli counterterrorism campaign against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Defense Minister Benny Gantz said in a joint press conference Monday evening.
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"The resilience and responsible conduct of the residents of communities near the Gaza Strip and the Israeli home front, alongside the active protection provided by our Iron Dome batteries, saved lives and prevented casualties," Lapid said. "We send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured. Yesterday [Sunday] in Sderot, I met with the heads of the regional councils adjacent to the Gaza Strip. They are strong and their residents are strong. The entire people of Israel support them."
The prime minister also touched on the subject of compensation for businesses that had to stay closed due to the security situation.
"Under the leadership of Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman, we are already preparing an organized assistance and compensation package for these residents. This government will not disappear from their lives the day after the shooting stops. We know how to protect ourselves from anyone who threatens us, but we also know how to provide employment, a livelihood, and a life of dignity to those who wish to live by our side in peace."
Lapid also thanked Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu "for showing responsibility and backing the government throughout the operation." Netanyahu met with Lapid On Sunday to receive a security briefing on the Gaza operation, a procedure he had previously boycotted.
Addressing neighboring nations, Lapid said, "There is another way to live. The way of the Abraham Accords, of the Negev Summit, of innovation and prosperity, of regional development and joint projects. The choice is yours. Your future is in your hands."
He also thanked President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi and other Egyptian officials "for their central and crucial role in reaching a ceasefire and maintaining regional stability. We are continuing our work with the Egyptians to bring our boys home. Our job will not be completed until Hadar and Oron of blessed memory, and Avera and Hisham are back home."
Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul fell in the 2014 Operation Protective Edge, and their bodies have since been held by Hamas. Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed voluntarily crossed the border into the strip between 2014 and 2015 and have been held captive ever since.
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Speaking after Lapid, Gantz summed up the operation, saying "As a result of our initiative, operational activities, and close cooperation between the political echelon and operational levels, we have reached three achievements during Operation Breaking Dawn: removing the imminent threat from Gaza; Maintaining our freedom of action in all arenas; And maintaining deterrence, while sending a clear message to our enemies in each of the arenas: Israel is determined to maintain its sovereignty and protect its citizens."
Since last year's 11-day conflict with Hamas, known as Operation Guardian of the Walls, "Israel has a clear policy: on one hand, we operate forcefully against any violation of our sovereignty and conduct both defensive and offensive activities in order to thwart threats in all arenas. On the other hand, we have a responsible civilian, humanitarian policy that focuses on strengthening moderate forces in the region at the expense of terrorist organizations."
Gantz stressed, "The Hamas terrorist organization bears territorial responsibility in the Gaza strip. Wherever this responsibility is not implemented, we will operate forcefully and use all the means at our disposal – both military and civilian. We will operate in accordance with our need and considerations ... In the future, should it be necessary, we will launch a preemptive strike in order to protect the citizens of Israel, and defend its sovereignty and infrastructure. This is true on every front. From Tehran to Khan Yunis."
