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IDF launches investigation as Israeli leaders mourn soldiers killed in mass attack

‘One of the most difficult days since the outbreak of the war.’

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

Israel’s military will open an investigation into the Hamas ambush that left 21 IDF soldiers dead and more wounded Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday afternoon.

“Yesterday we experienced one of the most difficult days since the outbreak of the war,” Netanyahu said, after Hamas terrorists blew up a building near the Israeli border as IDF soldiers were preparing it for demolition to create a buffer zone.

Twenty-one soldiers were killed in the attack, making it the deadliest incident since the ground war in Gaza began. Three more soldiers were killed in separate battles with Hamas terrorists Monday.

“I mourn our heroic fallen soldiers. I embrace the families in their hour of sorrow and we all pray for the well-being of those who were wounded.”

“The IDF has opened an inquiry into the tragedy. We must learn the necessary lessons and do everything to safeguard the lives of our fighters.”

“On behalf of our heroes, for our very lives, we will not stop fighting until total victory.”

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (Likud) called Monday’s ambush “a heavy blow” for Israel, while reiterating the government’s pledge “to complete our missions and do everything necessary.”

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“Our forces operate deep in the enemy’s territory, in Khan Yunis, soldiers from the Paratroopers, the 7th Armored Brigade, from Givati, [operate] in the entire southern region.”

“We are keeping an eye on everything that is happening in the north. Hezbollah continues to provoke us, I have now conducted a special situation assessment on this matter.”

“We are prepared, we do not want war, but we are ready for any situation that may develop in the north. Therefore, we have one hand reaching to the south and a watchful eye towards the north.”

Minister Benny Gantz (National Unity) eulogized the fallen soldiers, calling them “reservists who left everything and turned out to defend the State of Israel and the Zionist vision, no less.”

“Thus we remember all those who have fallen; thus we will remember those who perished in the severe tragedy yesterday.”