Leaders of the Opposition called for unity Saturday as Israel faced a surprise multi-front attack by Hamas.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
"In days like these, there is no Opposition and no Coalition in Israel," Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, State Party head Benny Gantz, Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman and Labor party head Merav Michaeli said in a statement.
Video: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is at war / Credit: Twitter
"This is a difficult morning for Israel. We fully support the IDF and the defense system. We are all united against terrorism and need to strike it with a strong and determined fist. Hamas and every other terrorist organization that cooperates with it in the south or elsewhere must pay a heavy price for this attack. The international community must be enlisted against this terrorism."
Statements poured in from all leaders, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring Israel to be at war.
This is "not in an operation, no rounds [of rockets]," he said in an address to the nation. This is "war. This morning, Hamas started a murderous surprise attack against Israel and its citizens. We have been in this since the early hours of the morning. I gathered the heads of the defense system, and I instructed them first of all to rid the towns of the terrorists that infiltrated them. At the same time, I told them to carry out a broad call-up of reservists and respond with a war the strength of which the enemy has never known. The enemy will pay a heavy price it has never paid before."
President Isaac Herzog tweeted, "Israel is facing a very difficult moment. I offer strength to the IDF, its commanders and soldiers, and to all the security forces and rescue services. and wish to send encouragement and strength to all the residents of Israel who are under attack."
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
