Statement on Gaza Operation and Islamic Jihad Leadership Destruction
Israel’s prime minister spoke at the government’s weekly meeting about the Gaza operation known as Shield and Arrow, asserting that the country’s armed forces dismantled the entire Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement. The claim was relayed by TASS through the official briefing of the government session.
Netanyahu described the events as a five-day campaign that concluded on the evening of May 13, marking the end of the five-day struggle against Islamic Jihad. He emphasized that the operation relied on surprise, rapid initiative, and a tightly coordinated intelligence effort to achieve its aims.
According to the prime minister, the mission was executed with precision by the Israeli military, which he credited for executing the plan with professionalism. He noted that the leadership of Islamic Jihad in Gaza was effectively neutralized, a statement he described with clear certainty as a decisive outcome of the campaign.
Further, Netanyahu stated that hundreds of targets within Gaza associated with Islamic Jihad were neutralized or destroyed. He cited the destruction of multiple Islamic Jihad headquarters, anti-tank teams, and missile depots, along with a range of other facilities and assets linked to the organization.
Expressing gratitude, the prime minister thanked the soldiers for their dedication and skill, and he acknowledged the resilience and patience of the Israeli public during the operation. He stressed that the country’s adversaries would face readiness and resolve if they attempted to threaten Israel again, even if they tried to hide or operate covertly.
Netanyahu asserted that the operational success had a lasting strategic impact, reinforcing the perception of Israeli readiness to respond decisively to threats in Gaza and beyond. He remarked that the level of command and control demonstrated during the operation significantly strengthened the campaign’s perceived outcomes.
In closing remarks, he referred to the broader context of security and stability for Israel, reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing militant groups and ensuring the safety of the nation’s citizens. The statement underscored a clear message: the Israeli security apparatus stands prepared to act at any time to neutralize threats as they arise, insisting on swift and decisive action when necessary. The remarks reflected a conviction that sustained vigilance remains essential for preventing future attacks.
The coverage of these developments aligns with ongoing reporting on security operations in the region, including official briefings and subsequent assessments by international observers. The situation in Gaza continues to be a focal point of regional security and diplomatic discussions, with implications for civilian protection, ceasefire efforts, and humanitarian considerations that require careful handling by all parties involved.
Note: The above summary reflects the statements made during the government briefing and is intended to portray the sequence of events and the official interpretation of the operation as reported by the cited source. Citations: TASS and official government communications.