Watch: IDF strikes terror squad prepping anti-tank missiles in Khan Yunis

The IDF confirmed this evening (Tuesday) that IAF aircraft struck a terrorist squad that intended to fire anti-tank missiles at Israel in the Khan Yunis area of the southern Gaza Strip.

“A short while ago, an IDF aircraft struck a terrorist squad belonging to the Islamic Jihad terror organization. The squad was taking Anti-tank guided missiles by car to a launch pad in the city of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. IDF soldiers monitored the activity of the squad and struck it while they were on their way to the launch pad,” the IDF Spokesperson stated.

The attack was carried out at the same time as the beginning of the political-security Cabinet meeting in the Kirya in Tel Aviv on Operation Shield and Arrow.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir intends to demand at the meeting that the government continue to launch additional pre-emptive strikes and an offensive initiative in Gaza. Shas chairman MK Aryeh Deri and Knesset Foreign Affairs and Security Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein were also invited to the Cabinet meeting as observers.

Before that, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted an additional and expanded security situational assessment in the Kirya in Tel Aviv. The assessment was attended by the Defense and Strategic Affairs Ministers, the heads of the National Security Council, the Mossad, and the Shin Bet, the IDF Chief of Staff, and other senior officials and officers

“Those who hurt us should know that we will hurt them,” Netanyahu stated following the assessment.

National Unity party chairman Benny Gantz gave his backing to the military operation in Gaza.

“Citizens of Israel, in the fight against terrorism, and in the defense of the State of Israel, we are all one fist. Whoever made a mistake in his assessment of the situation – paid the price. Whoever will make a similar mistake – will pay. We may face challenging days. I am well aware of the readiness, the capabilities, the target bank and the civil preparedness. I know that if an escalation develops, we will have the upper hand. This is the message that should be echoed in Gaza, in Beirut, in Tehran, and wherever they seek to harm us,” Gantz said.

“As the opposition, we will back any determined and responsible action that preserves and strengthens Israel’s security. I would like to express my appreciation for the actions of the IDF and the strength of the residents of the south, and I call on everyone to follow the instructions, help each other, and with G-d’s help, we will soon know days of peace, security and a good routine,” the former defense minister added.