“Over the weekend and again this morning, there has been an upsurge in Palestinian terrorism against Israeli citizens.  Regrettably, despite the change in the Palestinian leadership, we note that those at the top have not begun any action whatsoever to halt the terrorism. 

This situation cannot continue. The IDF and the security forces have been instructed to step up operational activity against terrorism and they will continue to do so, without restrictions, I emphasize, without restrictions, as long as the Palestinians are not lifting a finger.  The political leadership has instructed that any action, that any action, be taken that is necessary to halt terrorism.. During today’s meeting, OC Operations Maj.-Gen. Yisrael Ziv will brief ministers on operations being carried out in Gaza.

The Israeli people have been struggling against terrorism for more than 100 years.  We did not capitulate to terrorism in the past and we do not intend to do so now.  These are difficult days but we have known even more difficult days.

Our hearts are with the families of the victims and of the wounded, and with all citizens and IDF soldiers on the front lines of the war against terrorism.”