Netanyahu tells IDF Soldiers, “The battle in Rafah is critical. It is a battle that will decide many things in this campaign.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday took an aerial tour over the Gaza Strip, with IDF Deputy Chief-of-Staff Maj.-Gen. Amir Baram and IDF 162nd Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Itzik Cohen.

During the flight, the Prime Minister received an aerial briefing on activity in the Strip from the 162nd Division commander, while focusing in depth on the operations of the Division in the Rafah sector.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and the IDF Deputy Chief-of-Staff then visited the 55th Artillery Battalion at the Bnei Netzarim base, where Battalion Commander Lt.-Col. Mor Gurevich briefed them on the activity of the Battalion since the start of the war and recent efforts in the Rafah sector.

The Prime Minister also met with Battalion commanders and fighters and heard from them about operational activity in the southern sector.

Prime Minister Netanyahu told the fighters “We are here on a difficult day on which we were informed that five of our soldiers fell. This will not lessen our fighting spirit.

“You are the generation of victory. You have been fighting in exemplary fashion, with sacrifice and great continuity over long months. The people of Israel are proud of you; I am proud of you. We are continuing on to victory.

“The battle in Rafah is critical. It is not only the remaining battalions there but their escape and supply pipelines. This battle, of which you are an integral part, is a battle that will decide many things in this campaign.

“I reiterate: We are in a critical battle now. Your actions are assisting it. Its conclusion will advance us a great distance toward defeating the enemy.

“I would simply like to commend you and thank you on behalf of all citizens of Israel and the Jewish people for what you are doing.

“I know that you are eating a lot of dust but you are doing a great thing. Thank you!”

Story: Prime Minister’s Office.

© Photo by Ma’ayan Toaf, GPO

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