IDF reservists prepare for action in Gaza (Photo: IDF Spokesman’s Office)
At this time Israel’s security forces, including civilian police, are continuing the fight against numerous Hamas terrorists who infiltrated the country on Saturday. And they are also fending off additional attempts by Hamas at further infiltrations into Israel.
This as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened another session of Israel’s Security Cabinet early on Sunday morning during which the government made a series of decisions marking the start of the offensive phase of what is being called “Operation Swords of Iron,” the retaliation against Hamas. The cabinet ordered the IDF to prepare for the “destruction of the military and governing capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad” terrorist groups in Gaza.
Israel has cut off electricity to the entire Gaza Strip which is dependent on Israel for many such services.
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Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his pledge to the Israeli public – made Saturday afternoon in the wake of the initial attack to make war on Hamas, not just another short operation.
“We are embarking on a long and difficult war that was forced on us by a murderous Hamas attack,” he said. “We will restore security to the citizens of Israel and we will win.”
On Monday alone, more than 24 hours after the initial onslaught made by the Hamas terror groups, the IDF reported that UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles or drones) overnight attacked a number of terrorist cells around the Gaza Strip, while also thwarting the continuing attempts by more Hamas terrorists to cross into Israeli territory.
Three terrorists were killed before dawn after trying to approach the border fence in the northern Gaza Strip.
In addition, seven terrorists were eliminated in Kibbutz Kfar Gaza, located on the Israel side of Gaza’s northeastern border, directly opposite Gaza City.
Near the Nahal Oz outpost (located a few kilometers from Gaza) a squad of six terrorists was foiled by a UAV.
In Bari (a kibbutz located near the eastern border with the Gaza Strip), two squads of terrorists who tried to infiltrate the kibbutz from the north and south were eliminated in what the IDF said was a combined attack by two aircraft.
On Monday morning the IDF reported that its naval forces killed five terrorists in the Zikim beach area, just north of Gaza. The terrorists were discovered hiding in the area.
Saturday night Israeli forces took out a number of terrorists who attempted to land on the beach in the same location.
The IDF added that hundreds of terrorists have been killed since the start of Hamas’ attack on Saturday morning.
Also on Sunday, Israel’s Police Commissioner Chief Superintendent Yaakov Shabtai held a special situation assessment meeting in which other senior police officials participated. He announced that retired police officers are volunteering to be recalled to duty.
Apparently, large numbers are volunteering at this time of need.
Retired police officers who volunteer to be recalled to duty will be able to serve in various roles, including patrolling public spaces, providing security at events, and assisting with investigations.
