Israel's War Cabinet: We Bowed Our Heads, But We Will Not Stop Before Victory

PM Benjamin Netanyahu while chairing the Israeli War Cabinet meeting. (Source: GPO/Kobi Gideon)

JAKARTA - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz who are members of the Israeli War Cabinet said in a joint video statement that the war would continue even though Israel had one day of deadly war yesterday.

"We lowered our heads in memory of our grief, but we did not stop fighting to achieve an irreplaceable goal, achieving a full victory," said PM Netanyahu, launching The Times of Israel January 23. "Together we will fight and together we will win," he continued.

A total of 21 Israeli soldiers were killed in Khan Younis, southern Gaza on Monday, becoming the most deaths in a day on the Israeli side since the war with the Hamas group in Gaza last October.

"Currently we are continuing the spirit of those who have died," said Gallant.

"To complete the task and do everything necessary. Our troops operate deep within enemy territory, in Khan Younis; fighters from Payung Falls Troops, 7th Brigade, from Giovanni, throughout the southern region," he explained.

The soldiers died when two buildings collapsed as a result of a major explosion and a tank appeared to have been hit by an RPG.

"This morning we were all devastated to face those who died and their families, and our hearts are intact in important tasks that are their responsibility and which we still have to fulfill: to ensure the safety of Israel, the safety of Israel, our children and our future in this place," Gantz said.

"We will do it together, we will do it in the unit. I beg to strengthen the bereaved family, knowing that we must continue. I am sure that when they began their mission yesterday, they intended for us to continue their mission, and that's what we will do," said Gantz.

Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu said his party was launching an investigation to investigate the events of the Israeli soldiers' deaths.

"The IDF has launched an investigation into the disaster. We must take the necessary lessons and do everything we can to keep our fighters safe," said PM Netanyahu, quoted by CNN.

He added Israel, "will not stop fighting until absolute victory."

It is known that apart from PM Netanyahu, Defense Minister Gallant and Benny Gantz, the Israeli War Cabinet was also filled by Gadi Eisenkot and Ron Dermer.