Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the country on Saturday after declaring war against Palestine militant group Hamas earlier in the day.
In his speech, Netanyahu vowed to destroy Hamas and forcefully avenge the attacks that have left more than 250 Israeli citizens dead and thousands injured. The group launched a surprise attack with a barrage of missile strikes and entered Israel, holding citizens and military members hostage.
“What happened today is unprecedented in Israel and I will see to it that it does not happen again,” Netanyahu said in Hebrew. “The entire government is behind this decision. The IDF will immediately use all its strength to destroy Hamas’s capabilities.”
Netanyahu condemned the attacks and murders, saying Israeli citizens were enjoying Shabbat and a holiday when the attacks occurred.
“This is an enemy that murders children and mothers in their homes, in their beds, an enemy that abducts the elderly, children and young women, that slaughters and massacres our citizens, including children, who simply went out to enjoy the holiday,” he said of Hamas.
Netanyahu also sent a warning message to residents of Gaza, saying, “leave now because we will operate forcefully everywhere.” He added that Israeli forces will find all of the places Hamas members are hiding and “turn them to rubble.”
Netanyahu praised the work of the police and military, who have been going “community by community” and “house by house” to expel any members of Hamas and restore control of the country.
The Prime Minister said he spoke with President Biden and thanked him for his support after Biden pledged “all appropriate” means of support for the country.
“To all citizens of Israel, we stand together in this campaign. This war will take time. It will be difficult. Challenging days are ahead of us,” Netanyahu said.