“Last night I ordered, with the approval of the War Cabinet, to operate in Rafah. Within hours our forces raised the Israeli flags at the Rafah crossing and took down the Hamas flags.

The entry into Rafah serves two main war goals: the return of our abductees and the elimination of Hamas.

We have already proven in the previous release of the abductees – military pressure on Hamas is a necessary condition for the return of our abductees. Hamas’ proposal yesterday was intended to torpedo the entry of our forces into Rafah. It did not happen.

As the War Cabinet unanimously determined, the Hamas proposal is very far from Israel’s necessary requirements.

Israel will not allow Hamas to restore its evil rule in the Gaza Strip, Israel will not allow it to restore its military capabilities to continue striving for our destruction. Israel cannot accept a proposal that endangers the security of our citizens and the future of our country.

Therefore, I instructed the delegation that went to Cairo: continue to stand firm on the conditions necessary for the release of our abductees, continue to stand firm on the essential requirements for guaranteeing Israel’s security.

At the same time, we continue the war against Hamas. Seizing the passage in Rafah today is a very important step; An important step on the way to destroying the remaining military capabilities of Hamas, including the elimination of the four terrorist battalions in Rafah; And an important step to damage the governmental capabilities of Hamas, because as of this morning we denied Hamas a passage that was essential to establishing its reign of terror in the Gaza Strip.

I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the last few days. I salute our heroic soldiers for the perfect execution of the mission, for the fighting spirit and heroism, for everything they did – and everything they will do in the future.

I send them a warm hug on behalf of all the citizens of Israel.

Together we will fight, and with God’s help – together we will win.”