In a counter-assault against the Hamas strike on Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is mounting a mission to rescue Israeli civilians in the Kibbutz Be'eri near the Southern Israel Border. In a video released by the IDF, soldiers can be seen chasing Hamas operatives and swiftly neutralising them.
The IDF shared a video on X, saying, "Watch this never-before-seen footage of combat soldiers from the IDF's Shaldag Unit operating to neutralize terrorists and rescue the civilians of Kibbutz Be'eri."
It added, "In the footage, you can see the IDF soldiers firing at the terrorists' vehicle, killing the driver who then lost control of the vehicle. The unit's soldiers then killed the other terrorists in the cell who tried to escape. At the same time of the counterterrorism activities, you can see IDF special forces rescuing the residents of Kibbutz Be'eri."
Taking to X, IDF said, "In preparation for the next stages of combat, the IDF operated in northern Gaza. IDF tanks & infantry struck numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts. The soldiers have since exited the area and returned to Israeli territory."
In an address to the nation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is preparing for a potential ground operation but refrained from disclosing specifics such as timing or strategy. He also mentioned that he won't divulge the full scope of factors being taken into account.
"Israel is in a battle for its existence," Netanyahu said, adding that the sole objective behind the Hamas war is "saving the nation". He said a ground attack to wipe out Hamas in Gaza will start soon, The Times of Israel reported on Wednesday.
"We are preparing for a ground incursion. I won't specify when, how, or how many. I also won't detail the range of considerations, most of which the public is not aware of. And that's the way it is supposed to be. This is the way that we protect our soldiers' lives."
PM Netanyahu said, "Israel is in the midst of a fight for our existence. The war's two aims are "to eliminate Hamas by destroying its military and governance capabilities, and to do everything possible to get our hostages back."
According to The Times of Israel, the PM added, "All Hamas members are dead men walking — above and below ground, inside and outside Gaza. Together with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Minister Benny Gantz, the security cabinet, the chief of staff and heads of the security organizations, we are working around the clock in order to achieve the war aims until victory, and doing so without political considerations."