On Sunday, exactly a year after ground forces entered Gaza during Operation Cast Lead, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, visited wounded soldiers still hospitalized at Tel HaShomer Hospital. One of the soldiers, Dvir Bar-Chai, was injured exactly a year ago. The soldier is the son of Southern Hevron Hills Regional Council chairman Tzviki Bar-Chai.

The Deputy Minister referred to the Grad rocket that hit the south several days ago and said: "Today, a year after Cast Lead, there is relative quiet in the south. Unfortunately, there are still exceptions, and therefore this government’s policy should be such that for every terrorist attack, there will be a price tag and a tough reaction so that the other side will not consider another terrorist attack."

Ayalon added, "Operation Cast Lead proves that deterrence works. However, there remains a problem with the violation of international agreements in the south and north by terrorist groups, such as the continued smuggling of weapons.”

Visiting wounded soldiers Bar-Chai and Wail Nagam, Ayalon stated, "I want to personally thank you and shake your hands. Your courage brought quiet to the south. I came to express my appreciation to you and your family and say that we are proud of all of our soldiers and the sacrifices they make". The Deputy Foreign Minister also expressed his appreciation to the dedicated hospital staff who are treating the wounded soldiers.

At the end of the visit the deputy minister commented, "I hope it's not a cliché to say, but this was a humbling, emotional and uplifting experience. I came to bring strength to the injured soldiers, and they in turn gave me added strength. The devoted care of families, hospital staff and others is what defines Israeli society and makes me proud to be an Israeli."