On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu established an emergency government to lead a military campaign against Hamas. In a determined tone, the Defense Minister pledged to eradicate the Palestinian militant group following their deadly attack over the weekend.
During a surprise incursion, Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip invaded Israel on Saturday, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life, making it the deadliest Palestinian militant assault in Israeli history, with a death toll of at least 1,200 people.
In response, Israel launched an extensive offensive in Gaza, causing the death of 1,055 individuals, and massed thousands of troops along the border, increasing the anticipation of a potential ground invasion to dismantle Hamas.
In a joint statement, Netanyahu, along with former Defense Chief and leader of the centrist opposition party, Benny Gantz, declared their commitment to forming an emergency government consisting of the two leaders and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
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Netanyahu explained during a televised address that they had set aside their differences because the very existence of their state was at stake. He likened the group’s attack to the Islamic State’s brutal actions, emphasizing the threat’s severity.
Defense Minister Gallant was resolute in his words, stating, “We are determined to eliminate this entity known as Hamas, often referred to as ISIS-Gaza. It will be completely eradicated from existence.”
Gantz, a former Israeli Defense Chief and general emphasized the need to unite and prevail in this critical moment. He noted that there are times for peace and times for war; at present, it is a time for war.
Netanyahu and Gantz affirmed that the emergency government’s focus during the conflict with Hamas would be solely on matters related to the ongoing crisis, with no unrelated policies or laws to be pursued.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid was not expected to participate in the emergency government at this particular juncture.
