Defense Minister Ehud Barak paida visit to soldiers from the IDF's Gaza Division on Wednesday evening along with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi and Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant, head of the Southern Command.
Barak was briefed by division commanders on recent operations. Over the course of the past week and a half some 30 terrorists were killed in Gaza in numerous clashes with IDF forces.
Barak discussed the possibility of launching an extensive counter-terror campaign in the region with the soldiers: "We know a large-scale operation in Gaza is just a matter of time, but we are not trigger happy… we still consider such an operation a last resort."
The defense establishment believes that an IDF operation in Gaza is inevitable, especially considering the growing support for Hamas andother terror organizations in the Strip.
"Your daily operations here determine the daily outcome of out fight in Gaza as well as help curb the Qassam and mortal shells being fired at Israel… what you're doing is extremely important for the safety of all Israeli citizens. I'm proud of you," Barak said.