BREAKING NEWS: Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant

"Today we saw the face of evil. Hamas [terrorist organization] has launched a brutal attack against the citizens of the State of Israel, indiscriminately targeting men, women, children and the elderly.

Hamas will understand very quickly that it has made a mistake, a grave mistake, and will pay a [heavy] price. Fifteen years ago, as head of the Southern Command, I came close to 'breaking the neck' [destroying] Hamas. I was stopped by the political ladder. This phenomenon will not continue. We will change the reality on the ground in Gaza for the next 50 years. What was before, will no longer be.

We will operate with full force. I call on the citizens of Israel to maintain their determination and support our security forces."