The IDF has dealt a harsh blow to the terrorist organizations that plotted the massive attack near Eilat on Thursday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Saturday.
“The terrorist attack originated in Gaza. Most of the perpetrators were killed, and the senior terrorists responsible for the attack were killed shortly afterward,” Barak said, speaking in a meeting with Chief of Staff Benny Gantz and senior officers.
“Over the past two days Israel has been hitting back hard at those responsible for the attack in the south, and is acting with efficiency against the launching of Grad missiles and rockets from Gaza in order to protect the citizens of Israel,” he added.
Barak expressed regret for the deaths of Egyptian soldiers, who were caught between the IDF and Gaza terrorists in one of the operations that followed Thursday's attack. The IDF will work with Egypt's army to investigate the matter, he said.
Gaza terrorists continued their attacks on southern Israel on Saturday, now with the official approval of Hamas, the ruling power in the region.