Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a conversation with Commando Brigade soldiers in northern Israel on Sunday, discussed the tensions on the northern border.
During his visit, Netanyahu was briefed by Commando Brigade Commander Col. Omer Cohen and Maglan Unit Commander Col. A. about the fierce battles fought by the commandos during which hundreds of terrorists were killed, and dozens of civilians were saved until operational control was regained in the Gaza envelope during the first days of the fighting.
Later, the Prime Minister heard about the brigade's alignment on all fronts and its soldiers' operational activity in the south, north, and Judea and Samaria.
"You fought with supreme bravery in Gaza, the stories are inspiring. I know you lost friends; it is very difficult, but we are in the fight for our lives, the fight for our home. This is not an exaggeration, this is not an overstatement - this is the war. It is to be or to stop, they need to stop," Netanyahu stated.
"We are now in a double battle - one battle is to prevent here, and the other battle is to win over there, a victory that will eradicate Hamas. For this, you are holding the line here for now, and over there as well, your friends are ready for any mission in the south. You are ready here and ready there.
The Prime Minister continued: "What you're doing here, and what I heard now from your commanders, is most important; you are killing Hezbollah operatives who are attempting to attack our front.
I can not tell you at the moment if Hezbollah will decide to enter the war fully. If Hezbollah decides to enter the war, it will long for the Second Lebanon War. It will be making the mistake of its life. We will strike it with force that it could not even imagine, and the ramifications of this for it and Lebanon would be destructive. But we are ready for any circumstance. You are ready for any circumstance," he added.
"You showed bravery, warrior spirit, determination - and with this spirit, we will win a total and complete victory. I want to salute you, you are heroes, you are lions, you fought like lions and will fight like lions. The people of Israel stand behind you, the entire nation of Israel salutes you."