Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the death of 8 soldiers in an ambush in the Gaza Strip on Saturday evening, saying, "The heart breaks into pieces at this great loss." He added, "We have paid a heartbreaking price in our war to defend Israel." Netanyahu emphasized that "despite this heavy price, we must adhere to our objectives." He continued, "We are fighting for our existence and future, and we are battling to recover the captives."
Netanyahu further stated: "Our enemy has no intention of stopping; they want to continue attempting our annihilation, so there is no substitute for victory." He stressed that despite the shocking price, Tel Aviv would commit to the war objectives of dismantling Hamas's military and governmental capabilities, recovering the captives, ensuring that Gaza does not pose another threat to Israel, and allowing citizens to return home safely in the north and south.
Netanyahu noted that Israel is engaged in a very difficult multi-front war and has paid a heavy price while facing numerous challenges. Earlier, the Israeli army announced the death of 8 soldiers in the Gaza Strip, including the deputy commander of a company in Engineering Unit 601 and an officer with the rank of captain, due to the explosion of a "Namar" armored personnel carrier in the Tel Sultan neighborhood of Rafah.
Hebrew media reported on Saturday night details of the death of the Israeli soldiers, confirming that the armored vehicle that exploded was of the "Namer" type and contained many explosives and mines used by engineering soldiers in their operations. Additionally, "Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades" announced the implementation of a "complex ambush" against Israeli vehicles penetrating the Al-Hai Saudi area in Tel Sultan, targeting a military bulldozer of the "D9" type with a "Yasin 105" missile. Meanwhile, the Israeli army stated in a statement published on its official website that the number of casualties among its ranks has risen to 651 since October 7, 2023.
