(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been in continual contact throughout the afternoon and evening today (Tuesday), 3 August 2010, with security officials, including Defense Minister Ehud Barak, IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Gaby Ashkenazi and GOC Intelligence Maj.-Gen. Amos Yedlin, as well as with Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman, about the IDF's immediate response and ordered an aggressive response to any resumption of firing from the Lebanese side.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said that, "Israel views this attack on IDF soldiers with utmost gravity. This was a gross violation of UN Security Council Resolution #1701. I hold the Lebanese Government directly responsible for this violent provocation against Israel. Israel responded aggressively, and will do so in the future against any attempt to violate the quiet on northern border, and attack residents of the north and the soldiers who are protecting them."
Prime Minister Netanyahu conveys his condolences to the family of reserve Lt.-Col. Dov Harari and his wishes for a quick recovery to the officer who was wounded.
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Defense Minister Ehud Barak today (Tuesday), 3 August 2010, conveys his condolences to the family of reserve Lt.-Col. Dov Harari, who was killed by shooting perpetrated by the Lebanese Army, and sends his wishes for a quick recovery to the officer who was wounded in the incident.
Defense Minister Barak warns the Lebanese Government against the continuation of the Lebanese Army's recent provocations against IDF soldiers and demands that it investigate who was behind today's murderous attack. He calls on UNIFIL to fulfill its mission and mandate, act vigorously to prevent such actions from recurring, investigate today's incident and prevent the continuation of the Lebanese Army's provocations along the border with Israel. The Defense Minister expects the international community to sharply condemn this deplorable action, which was perpetrated by Lebanese Army soldiers.
Defense Minister Barak said: "The IDF will continue to act vigorously, and with determination, in order to protect Israel's residents and sovereign borders. Israel desires peace and proved this when it withdrew its forces in 2000 to the international line. However, Israel will not countenance any attacks whatsoever on its soldiers and citizens on its soil."