Israel must find new way to deal with Gaza, says PM at ceremony for fallen soldiers – The Times of Israel
Posted By admin on July 12, 2022
Israel must find better ways of dealing with the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip than to submit to endless rounds of violence, Prime Minister Yair Lapid said Sunday evening.
Lapid was speaking at a state ceremony in Jerusalems Mount Herzl military cemetery to commemorate the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces who were killed during Operation Protective Edge in Gaza in 2014. The somber event was attended by the families of those killed in the conflict eight years ago, as well as by Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who also spoke at the ceremony, and Knesset Speaker Mickey Levy.
For a long time, the only two options on the table were occupying Gaza or endless rounds of fighting, Lapid said. Our job is to find better solutions. The IDFs strength enables us freedom of action in Gaza, but also economic and diplomatic freedom of action.
Lapid said Israel must make the civilian population in Gaza realize that they can live a different life. To pressure Hamas to stop firing at Israel. To that end, we have increased the number of permits for working in Israel that are issued to the residents of Gaza, and we continue to promote the Economy-for-Security plan, in reference to Israeli efforts to help the Gazan economy in return for security assurances.
In their respective speeches, Lapid and Gantz honored the memories of those killed in action during the 50-day conflict with Gaza-based terror organizations, chief among them Hamas, the ruling organization that is sworn to Israels destruction.
Get The Times of Israel's Daily Editionby email and never miss our top stories
A total of 74 people 68 IDF soldiers, 11 of whom were killed in cross-border tunnel attacks, and six civilians died on the Israeli side of the conflict. In Gaza, more than 2,000 people were killed, with Israel putting the number of civilians killed at approximately 50 percent, the rest being combatants.
Prime Minister Yair Lapid at a state ceremony on Mount Herzl commemorating fallen soldiers in Operation Protective Edge, July 10, 2022. (Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)
The bodies of two soldiers killed in the operation Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul were captured by Hamas and remain in Gaza as the bargaining chips for a prisoner exchange with Israel, alongside two living captives: Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed. The two Israeli civilians crossed the Gaza boundary voluntarily between 2014 and 2015 and have been held prisoner by Hamas since then. Both men have histories of mental illness. Hamas recently released footage of al-Sayed, saying his health has been deteriorating, with Israel dismissing the move as psychological warfare.
Israel and Hamas have held several rounds of indirect talks over the years, in an attempt to reach a prisoner exchange deal that would see the release of Palestinian security prisoners, including terror convicts.
In his speech Sunday, Lapid said that Israel has a sacred obligation to bring home our fallen soldiers, Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, for burial.
The premier also called for more unity among Israelis, reiterating comments he made last week about the need for all Israelis to come together.
On the battlefield and in cemeteries, there is no right or left. It is not important who is secular or religious, Druze or Jewish, he said.
The fallen soldiers of Operation Protective Edge did not die only for Israeli society to break apart from within, said Lapid. If we can die for each other, we must know how to live for each other. If we can fight the enemy together, we should be able to fight together for a common good.
Lapid concluded: On this day, in these times, when domestic divisions and rifts threaten Israeli society, I look around this cemetery and remind us all that the things that bind us together are greater than those that pull us apart. Our strength is in our unity.
In his speech, Gantz who served as IDF chief of staff at the time of the operation said Israel destroyed Hamas tunnel infrastructure and dealt a heavy blow to the terror organization, but paid a heavy price.
The soldiers who died in Gaza left us a mission to protect the State of Israel, to protect Israeli society, to continue to work for its growth in all ways, said Gantz.
Israel continues to respond to rockets and acts of violence from Gaza to preserve deterrence through powerful responses to any violation of sovereignty, he said. At the same time, Israel maintains contacts and dialogue with countries such as Egypt, which has served as mediator a number of times, and Qatar, which financially supports Hamas, as well as others, to maintain quiet and head off the next escalation.
We will continue to turn every stone, and take every action to maintain peace and stability, said Gantz.
The defense minister vowed to continue working for the return of the remains of Goldin and Shaul, and the living captives.
Gantz also noted the kidnapping and murders in the weeks before Operation Protective Edge of Israeli teenagers Gilad Shaer, Eyal Yifrah, and Naftali Fraenkel by a Hamas-linked cell in the West Bank an act that served as a precursor to the 2014 summer war. Israel launched Operation Brothers Keeper in the West Bank immediately after the kidnapping, in the hope of locating the teens and capturing the terror operatives.
Gantz wrapped up his address by saying that Israel has nothing against the residents of Gaza.
This is Hamas working against them, against their interests. It is Hamas thattrades in blood, and holds captive innocent civilians, including those with mental disabilities, he said.
You're a dedicated reader
Were really pleased that youve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
Thats why we started the Times of Israel ten years ago - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we havent put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you, David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
View original post here:
- RIL seeks permission to fly in Israeli experts for training and installation - Mint [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2021]
- Israel's Version of Moving Fast and Breaking Things: The New Cybersecurity Bill - Lawfare [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2021]
- Intel to invest $600 mln to expand chip, Mobileye R&D in Israel - Reuters [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2021]
- Israel's ban on travel to 7 countries over COVID variants takes effect - The Times of Israel [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2021]
- Israel may toss millions of vaccines. Why won't it give them to the PA instead? - The Times of Israel [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2021]
- Most of Israel Is Getting Back to Pre-Covid-19 Life. Not This Town. - The Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2021]
- Netanyahu Opponent, Yair Lapid, Given 4 Weeks To Form New Government In Israel - NPR [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2021]
- Opinion | For the Sake of Peace, Israel Must Rout Hamas - The New York Times [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2021]
- GOP resolution backs Israel's 'right to defend itself,' omits call for cease-fire - Fox News [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2021]
- In pictures: Fire and thunder fill the night sky as Israels Iron Dome is tested. - The New York Times [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2021]
- Israeli TV reporters face attacks and threats from Jewish extremists - The Guardian [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2021]
- As Hamas Rockets Rain on Israel, Iron Dome Proves It Can Withstand the Barrages - The Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2021]
- Biden, the Democrats and Israel - The Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2021]
- Israels highly effective Iron Dome gets heavy funding by US, Biden urged to review assistance - Fox News [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2021]
- Opinion | The Unshakable Bonds of Friendship With Israel Are Shaking - The New York Times [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2021]
- Israel's Iron Dome has blocked thousands of incoming rockets. Here's how it works. - CBS News [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2021]
- Israel and Hamas May Reach Cease-Fire Soon, Officials Say - The New York Times [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2021]
- Israel-Hamas Conflict: Live Updates - The New York Times [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2021]
- Opinion | Bernie Sanders: The Approach the Israel-Palestine ... [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2021]
- History of Israel - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2021]
- Israel is the Jewish people's ancient home. We will always defend ourselves from Hamas. - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- Muslim nations ask UN to form unprecedented permanent panel to critique Israel - The Times of Israel [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- The Indian Left selectively raged against Israel even as Turkey bombed its way into the annals of a barbaric h - Economic Times [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- IDF: Nasrallah tried to threaten Israel, looked weak and sick instead - The Jerusalem Post [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- First foreign tourists in more than a year land in Israel - Reuters [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- The Costly Success of Israels Iron Dome - The Atlantic [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- Israel coalition talks: Lapid and Gideon Sa'ar resume negotiations halted during Gaza fighting - Haaretz [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- More Than 30 Dead in Gaza and Israel as Fighting Quickly Escalates - The New York Times [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- Israel spied on Mizrahi Jews, then tried to hide it - Haaretz [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- Opinion | The Discrimination Palestinian Citizens of Israel Face - The New York Times [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- Israeli illustrators commemorate the child victims of the Gaza war - Haaretz [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2021]
- Israel Has Become The 1st Country To Ban The Sale Of Most Fur Clothing - NPR [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- Israeli Aircraft Bomb Gaza Just Days Into New Government - The New York Times [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- Israel: Netanyahu alleges election fraud as political ... [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- Israelis march in east Jerusalem in test for new government [Last Updated On: June 16th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 16th, 2021]
- Lab-grown chicken for humans and pets in Israel - Livemint [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2021]
- Release the transcripts of Israel's COVID cabinet meetings - Haaretz [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2021]
- How Israel's missing constitution deepens divisions between Jews and with Arabs - The Conversation US [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2021]
- Dreams in the Rubble: An Israeli Airstrike and the 22 Lives Lost - The New York Times [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2021]
- Israel Strikes Militant Targets in Gaza After More Arson ... [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2021]
- Demographics of Israel - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2021]
- Israel - Facts, History & Conflicts - HISTORY [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2021]
- Israel | Facts, History, Population, & Map | Britannica [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2021]
- Israel - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2021]
- This Israeli dropout is on the front lines against Iran - Haaretz [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2021]
- Israel says the Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, representing as many as 50% of new cases. But they're less severe. - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2021]
- Israel Is Sending Robots With Machine Guns to the Gaza Border - Daily Beast [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2021]
- Israels new government agrees on only one thing: Booting Netanyahu - Brookings Institution [Last Updated On: June 25th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 25th, 2021]
- Israel's 'first lesbians.' It hurts when you're all alone in the world - Haaretz [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2021]
- What's ahead for Francis Ngannou, Israel Adesanya and every other UFC champion - ESPN [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2021]
- For 20 years he was one of Israel's only paparazzi. Then the iPhone was invented - Haaretz [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2021]
- Don't Call What Israel is Doing Apartheid | Opinion - Harvard Crimson [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2021]
- Inaugurating embassy in UAE, Israel tells region: 'We're here to stay' - Reuters [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2021]
- Million Pfizer jabs face being dumped after Israel-UK swap deal fails - The Guardian [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2021]
- Demolitions begin in occupied East Jerusalems Silwan - Al Jazeera English [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2021]
- Three Middle East countries led the world on vaccines early. Then they went in different directions - CNBC [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2021]
- Protecting Israels Arabs has become a matter of coalition talks - Haaretz [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2021]
- Scientists have revived extinct Israeli wheat strains. Now comes the taste test - Haaretz [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2021]
- 19-year-old shot dead in Nazareth is 42nd Arab victim of gun violence in Israel this year - Haaretz [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2021]
- New Israeli GPS nano-drug busts inflammation, touted as antibody replacement - The Times of Israel [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2021]
- In Israel, its not just rabbis who dont know math and science - Haaretz [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2021]
- Israel's wealth fund delayed again as tax revenue still short - Reuters [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2021]
- Are Israel's new ministers trying to show they hate Arabs more than the far right? - Haaretz [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2021]
- Reporting on Israel: Thirty years on, we are still covering the same old enmities - The Guardian [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2021]
- Israel to vote on renewing law that keeps out Palestinian spouses - Al Jazeera English [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2021]
- The story of Israels first trans woman, who resorted to operating on herself - Haaretz [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2021]
- New national security adviser said to have seen Iran nuke deal as lesser evil - The Times of Israel [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2021]
- Boulders host Team Israel in long-awaited exhibition baseball game before Olympics - The Journal News [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2021]
- Israeli businessman charged with contacting foreign agent, passing info to Iran - Haaretz [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2021]
- Israel to withhold $180 million in Palestinian funds over militant stipends - Reuters [Last Updated On: July 13th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 13th, 2021]
- More than 1,000 Israelis test positive for COVID - The Jerusalem Post [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2021]
- Israeli baseball team plays exhibition game in Aberdeen before leaving for Tokyo - WBAL TV Baltimore [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2021]
- Israel is offering a third Pfizer shot amid spiking cases, even as the U.S. says it's not yet needed - CNBC [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2021]
- Where Are the Fans for Israels National Baseball Team? In New York. - The New York Times [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2021]
- Israels psychological torture of Palestinian prisoners and their families - Haaretz [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2021]
- Israels Surprising Consensus on the Palestinian Issue - The Wall Street Journal [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2021]
- Israel plans to tax disposable plastic in bid to reduce use - Associated Press [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2021]
- Israels PM is playing with fire on the Temple Mount - The Times of Israel [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2021]
- Ben & Jerry's Says It Will Stop Ice Cream Sales In Occupied Territories - NPR [Last Updated On: July 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 19th, 2021]
- Israel Orders Its Diplomats to Feud With Ben & Jerry's - The Daily Beast [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2021] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2021]
Comments