Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on Wednesday morning delivered remarks regarding the IDF’s activities in Jenin, at the gathering of the Labor and Welfare Committee in the Knesset.
“I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of the late Sergeant First Class David Yehuda Yitzhak, a combat soldier in the ‘Egoz’ unit, and resident of the community of Beit El," Gallant said. "He was killed overnight, at the end of the military operation."
"The terrible news of his passing comes upon the completion of a successful, precise and daring operation conducted by IDF soldiers in the two brigades that entered the Jenin area," the Defense Minister added. "Our troops operated at dozens of sites where terrorists produced ammunition, explosives and various types of weapons. This 'production line' was destroyed as a result of the actions taken by IDF and ISA forces."
"We operated based on accurate intelligence, yet we were required to take significant risks. It was important to remember that there are twelve thousand civilians living in the camp - and we took every measure required to prevent harm to civilians," Gallant said.
"I would like to express my appreciation to the IDF Chief of the General Staff, Director of the ISA, IDF commanders, and combat soldiers who operated with extraordinary precision, professionalism and courage. They delivered a clear message: terrorists will have nowhere to hide," he concluded. "We extend our arms in peace, and seek coexistence with everyone. On the other hand, anyone who attempts to harm the children and the citizens of Israel, will experience the full force of the IDF and Israel’s defense establishment."