Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Ashdod Naval Base on Sunday, where commanders briefed him on sea-borne activity during the war against Hamas and the thwarting of dozens of terrorist infiltration attempts.
Netanyahu also spoke with naval commandos and fighters from various units who took part in the fighting, hearing from them about the mission to defend Israel’s coast, efforts to evacuate communities adjacent to the Gaza Strip and offensive actions including targeting terrorist infrastructure and killing Hamas terrorists.
“You fighters are lions of the sea. From the first moment of combat, some of you in the communities and most of you from here, you did simply amazing work, in combat and in stopping their incursions,” said Netanyahu.
“I just received reports, both personally from each one of you and I also saw videos of your amazing work defending the country. You stopped them and you are still stopping them. You killed them and did not allow them to enter,” the premier continued.
“Navy commander, you have lions here, the fighters who fought and are fighting wonderfully. I want to tell you: You are surrounded by a sea of love and appreciation by the citizens of Israel. You protect the citizens of Israel; you protect our home. I salute you. Well done,” he said.
Netanyahu vowed on Saturday night to press forward with the offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to ensure the Palestinian terrorist group can never again harm the Jewish people.
He confirmed that the second stage of the war had begun with the incursion of ground forces into the enclave on Friday night.
Israel’s goals are the “destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, and returning the hostages home,” he said.
Netanyahu said that the military and political echelons were committed to destroying Hamas in response to the Oct. 7 invasion of southern Israel that killed 1,400 people.
“We are determined to eradicate this evil from the world, for our existence and for all of humanity,” said the prime minister.
