IDF Chief Eisenkot
Photo: Yaron Brener
IDF chief: Tunnel demolition removed threat on Israeli citizens
Both Eisenkot and IDF Spokesperson in Arabic send message to the Gaza Strip: 'The IDF closely monitors terror elements in the strip. We will aggressively respond to any violation of our sovereignty.'
The IDF demolition of an offensive border-crossing tunnel
in Gaza "has removed a threat on the citizens of Israel," IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot said Tuesday.
"This operation joins the many operations—both covert and overt—that IDF forces are carrying out and will continue to carry out against any threat, at any time, and in any situation," Eisenkot continued. "This is an impressive operational achievement by the Southern Command—worthy of praise—in response to the violation of Israeli sovereignty."
IDF Chief Eisenkot with GOC Southern Command Zamir
Eisenkot held a situation assessment at the Gaza Division on Tuesday with GOC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Maj. Gen Yoav Mordechai, Gaza Division commander Brig. Gen. Yehuda Fuchs and other senior commanders.
"The IDF remains ready for any scenario. We closely monitor the terror elements in the Gaza Strip," Eisenkot said. "Any retaliation or violation of Israeli sovereignty will be met decisively and with determination, as we've done in the past 24 hours."
Meanwhile, the head of the Arabic Department at the IDF Spokesman's Unit, Maj. Avichai Adraee sent a similar message in Arabic to Hamas and to Gaza residents on Twitter: "We're closely monitoring terror elements in Gaza. We will aggressively respond to any violation of our sovereignty. Do not allow Iran and Islamic Jihad hurt your interests."
