Jerusalem, October 11, 2024 — Israel’s Foreign Ministry deputy spokesperson Alex Gandler has declared that Israel is committed to hunting down every terrorist, ensuring that the deadly attack on October 7, which took the lives of hundreds, will never be repeated. Speaking in an interview with ANI, Gandler asserted that Israel has learned from its past and vowed to prevent such attacks in the future.
“October 7 will never happen again,” Gandler said, emphasizing the country’s determination. “The people of Israel have a very long and rich history, and they learn from mistakes. This mistake will never happen again.”
October 7 Attack and Israel’s Response
The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack when Hamas launched an unprecedented assault on Israel. Around 2,500 terrorists breached the Israeli border from Gaza, leading to widespread casualties, chaos, and the abduction of Israeli civilians as hostages. Israel responded swiftly, launching a counter-offensive against Hamas and pledging to dismantle the terror group entirely while making efforts to minimize civilian casualties in the conflict.
Gandler highlighted Israel’s strong stance on combating terrorism. When asked about the message to Hezbollah and other groups, he stated, “Our direct message is clear with our soldiers at the front: we’re going to hunt every terrorist. The 7th of October for Israelis will never happen again. It is a huge lesson for us, and we are committed to ensuring it doesn’t repeat itself.”
Israel’s Strategic Goals and War on Multiple Fronts
Gandler acknowledged that Israel is currently engaged in a war on multiple fronts, including the ongoing battle with Hamas in Gaza and potential threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon. He stressed that for any peace talks or negotiations to be successful, Israel must first achieve its strategic objectives.
“We have to achieve our strategic goals for any peace to be talked about,” Gandler said. “At the moment, there is nothing that we can discuss in terms of negotiations because we are at war on seven fronts. However, Israel’s ultimate goal is to return to a state of peace, where our children and future generations can live without fear of violence.”
When asked about the possibility of a two-state solution in the future, Gandler indicated that it is not entirely off the table. “The two-state solution is something that we’ll need to revisit once this is done. But right now, we are focused on winning this war and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens,” he added.
Collaboration with India and Counter-Terrorism Efforts
In the interview, Gandler also touched upon Israel’s close relationship with India, particularly in counter-terrorism and intelligence-sharing efforts. He emphasized that both nations face similar threats from terrorism and radical ideologies, making their collaboration critical.
“Israel is well-versed in fighting terrorism, and so is India. We have a lot of knowledge to share between our nations, whether it’s in equipment, intelligence, or other fields. We face the same threat—the killing of civilians disguised under radical ideologies,” Gandler said. He added that delegations from both countries regularly meet to exchange information and discuss strategies in combating terrorism.
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Israeli Prime Minister’s Statement on Hezbollah
Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced significant progress in Israel’s efforts against Hezbollah. In a video statement, Netanyahu revealed that Israeli forces had successfully targeted and eliminated key figures within Hezbollah, including the group’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and his potential successors. Netanyahu used this victory as an opportunity to urge the people of Lebanon to reclaim their country from Hezbollah’s control.
“Lebanon was once known for its tolerance and beauty. Today, it’s a place of chaos and war,” Netanyahu said, pointing to Iran’s role in supporting Hezbollah. “Hezbollah has turned Lebanon into an arsenal for Iran’s interests. Just one day after the October 7 massacre, Hezbollah joined the war against Israel, launching an unprovoked attack on our cities.”
Netanyahu made it clear that Israel is determined to end Hezbollah’s reign of terror. “Israel has a right to defend itself. Israel also has a right to win. And Israel will win,” he said, underscoring the country’s resolve to protect its citizens and ensure the safety of its borders.
As Israel continues its offensive against both Hamas and Hezbollah, the country’s leadership remains firm in its commitment to eliminating terrorism and securing peace for its people.
