Galant warns Hamas
Photo: Ariel Hermoni, Defense Ministry
Galant to Hamas: Don't repeat your mistake
Southern Command chief warns Hamas, says army's response to Qassams may be surprising
Israel's security forces will be acting to restore quiet in the south if needed and may use the element of surprise, IDF Southern Command Chief Yoav Galant said Monday.
Addressing the intensifying rocket attacks originating from Gaza, the senior officer expressed his hope that the latest strikes were a passing episode.
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Galant added that "utilizing our capabilities includes the element of surprise," adding that the achievement registered during the Gaza war last year will not shape a long-term reality.
"The problem was met with a temporary solution; Hamas continues to build up its strength," he said. "Operation Cast Lead resulted in achievements, yet ones that will only last for a certain period of time."
Turning his attention to the friendly fire incident Monday that left an IDF soldier dead, the Southern Command chief vowed to look into the tragedy and draw the appropriate conclusions.
"We are looking into the details of the incident, we'll draw conclusions and lessons and see how to improve our operations in the future," he said.
