Netanyahu Threatens Hamas with Return to Targeted Killings

If violence against Israel from the Gaza Strip continues, the next strategy to restore peace might be a return to the targeted killing of those responsible, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu hinted on in remarks to his cabinet at the start of its meeting. Referring to the policy of assassinating the leaders of the various terrorist factions, the prime minister admonished Hamas members that “Only a few weeks ago, we targeted the senior Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza, and I suggest that both Islamic Jihad and Hamas should refresh their memories. I will not go into detail about all of our plans in front of the media, but we are prepared to take devastating action against the terrorist organizations in Gaza.”  Netanyahu’s suggestion was echoed by Defense Minister Naftali Bennett. While he was touring the army’s Gaza command, he warned that “No one is immune.” Asserting an obligation the government has to its residents of the south, Bennett said that, “The lawless conduct of Hamas leaders is bringing us closer to taking a decisive action against them.”