Israeli president says fighting won't end 'in the blink of an eye'

JERUSALEM

Israel’s president said Sunday that the war with the Palestinian group Hamas will not "end in the blink of an eye."

In an address to the nation cited by the Haaretz daily, Isaac Herzog urged Israelis to maintain the “spirit of heroism” and “togetherness” in the face of ongoing fighting.

“Our enemies are now making great psychological efforts through cyberattacks and spreading false films and reports to plant fear and anxiety in our hearts. They seek to weaken us. They are wrong. There is a fact beyond any debate – this time too the State of Israel will win. We have no other option,” Herzog said.

“Have no delusions, there are difficult days are ahead of us. This is the time to unite against the enemy - unite and act with determination.”

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved plans by the Israeli army's Home Front Command to evacuate settlements and communities close to Gaza and Lebanon as a preparedness measure in case of further escalation.

On Saturday, Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, saying the surprise attack on Israel was in response to the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and increased settler violence. It said it fired rockets and captured many Israelis.

At least 700 Israelis have been killed and over 2,300 others wounded in the attack, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.

In retaliation, the Israeli army initiated Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas with a series of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, killing more than 430 Palestinians and wounding at least 2,300 others.

Fighting continued into its second day on Sunday and Israel declared a state of war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to use all of Israel’s strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and “take revenge for this black day.”

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar