Netanyahu vows 'firm, wise' response to terror

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency session at Ben-Gurion Airport Wednesday, ahead of his departure to Russia, apparently approving a series of strikes in Gaza following the recent wave of terror.

"Ever since the government's establishment, we set clear policy – a firm response to any attempt to harm Israeli citizens, coupled with methodical, firm preventative steps against terror," Netanyahu said following the meeting. "This policy prompted two years of quiet and security, and all of Israel's citizens became familiarized with this blessing, enjoy the fruit of this quiet, and walk the streets fearlessly."

"We will act forcefully, responsibly and wisely to preserve the calm and security that have prevailed here over the past two years," Netanyahu said.

Speaking on television, the PM addressed the terrorist attack in Jerusalem, saying that it was an attempt by terrorist organizations to end the calm Israel's residents of the have grown accustomed to.

"They are trying to test our level of determination," he said, "They are also trying to test the people's resilience. They will discover that the government, the IDF and the Israeli public have an iron will to defend the state and its citizens."

Wednesday evening's emergency session was also attended by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz, Shin Bet Chief Yuval Diskin, among others. According to estimates, officials approved a series of military operations in Gaza.

The defense establishment already prepared plans for Gaza strikes, ranging from the assassination of senior figures to attacks on Hamas infrastructure and government buildings.

"The return to the Oslo Process that relies on the Palestinians to fight against terror is a terrible mistake," the group said in a statement. "It resulted in the attack today in Jerusalem, those slaughtered in Itamar and 1400 sacrifices that occurred since the Oslo agreements."

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