PM Benjamin Netanyahu's special message to the people of Israel

At the end of Shabbat, and the announcement of 8 IDF troops killed in action in Rafah, PM Netanyahu turns to the people of Israel in a special message.

"Citizens of Israel. Today we paid another heartbreaking price in our just war for the defense of the homeland. In deep sorrow, in heavy mourning, I bow my head together with all the citizens of Israel and mourn the fall of our heroic warriors: Deputy Company Commander in the Engineering Battalion, Captain Wasim Mahmoud, and other heroic soldiers whose names have not yet been allowed to be published.

The heart breaks into pieces in the face of the enormous loss. The entire nation of Israel hugs the dear families in their difficult time. I strengthen our brave warriors and commanders, who are engaged in the sacred mission of defeating our enemies and returning our hostages.

When the price is so heavy, we will remember what we are fighting for: we are fighting to ensure our existence and our future, we are fighting to return all our abductees.

The hard war was forced upon us by a loathsome and murderous enemy. On the holiday of Simchat Torah, the monsters of Hamas infiltrated our kibbutzim, our settlements, our cities, to a nature party of young people who only wanted good. They slaughtered and raped, butchered and burned, butchered and kidnapped our brothers and sisters. Babies and children, women and men, young and old.

This monstrous enemy has no intention of stopping here. Along with the rest of Iran's axis of evil, he will continue to try to destroy us. If we don't stop him - he won't stop. Therefore, there is no substitute for victory.

Dear citizens of Israel, don't let anyone divert you from the simple and clear fact - despite the heavy and staggering cost, we must stick to the goals of the war: destroying the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas, returning all our abductees, making sure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel and returning our residents safely to their homes - both in the north and in the south.

We are in the midst of a very difficult war. The war is being waged on several fronts, including the international front. Many more challenges await us. Precisely at this time, we need the greatness of the soul that is contained in our people, and thanks to which we overcame all our enemies. It will be the same this time. "A time of trouble is for Jacob and from it he will be saved."

Together we will fight, and with God's help - together we will win.'

VIDEO: Government Press Office.