IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi met with municipal leaders from southern Israel, who demanded that Hamas be thwarted once and for all. "We are going to the end," the Chief of Staff told the leaders. He also attempted to explain the failure and shortcomings that led to Hamas's surprise attack on the Gaza envelope. "We are aware of the failure. We failed to protect the communities; we did not prepare for such a scenario." Halevi promised: "We will study everything, and we will learn our lessons. We are determined to complete the mission and to destroy Hamas." Related articles: Hamas will not respond to Israel’s ceasefire counter-proposal 'The only thing that can stop us is the release of our hostages!' Netanyahu: 'We are taking control of the Morag Corridor in Gaza' IDF continues to surround Rafah's Tel al-Sultan neighborhood
