Jerusalem, Oct 7: In a somber remembrance of the tragic events that unfolded on October 7, 2023, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep gratitude for the bravery of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and security personnel during a special mourning meeting. He reiterated his government’s commitment to “complete the job” of freeing all remaining hostages from Gaza.
Netanyahu highlighted the objectives of the ongoing conflict, stating, “We will end the war when we complete all the goals we set: overthrowing the evil rule of Hamas, returning all our abductees home—both the dead and the living, thwarting any future threat from Gaza to Israel, and safely returning our residents in the south and north to their homes.”
At the beginning of the meeting, Netanyahu lit a candle to honor the victims of last year’s attacks, as government officials observed a moment of silence. He recalled the moment when Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israel, claiming over 1,200 innocent lives. “We are at war,” Netanyahu declared, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and vowing to retaliate with unprecedented force.
The Prime Minister described the ongoing conflict as “the war of resurrection,” marking it as a pivotal struggle for Israel’s existence. “Since that black day, we are under attack on seven fronts. Our counter-attack on our enemies in Iran’s axis of evil is a necessary condition for securing our future,” he stated.
Netanyahu paid tribute to the fallen IDF heroes, acknowledging their sacrifices as essential to dismantling enemy capabilities and freeing numerous hostages. He affirmed the determination to see the mission through, offering prayers for the wounded and gratitude for the courage displayed by male and female fighters.
It is estimated that over 100 hostages remain in Gaza, including individuals from more than eight nations. Netanyahu concluded his address with a pledge to change the security landscape in the region, ensuring that such atrocities will never occur again.
Earlier in the day, Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon lit candles at the ‘Iron Swords’ monument in memory of the October 7 victims from Jerusalem.