Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid said on Thursday morning that Israel should unilaterally end its military operation against Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
“I think it’s time to pack up, this is the time,” Lapid said in a radio interview. “You always need to be exact regarding when you exit, not just when you enter. There have been good results. There’s no benefit to waiting. We should stop now,” he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday briefed Lapid on the goals and details of “Operation Shield and Arrow.”
In a show of unity, Lapid has extended his backing for the IDF operation.
“A firm Israeli response at a time and place that is good for us is the way to deal with terror from Gaza. We will back all operational activity to protect the residents of the south,” said Lapid on Tuesday.
On Wednesday night, Netanyahu said that Israeli forces were “fiercely attacking the Gaza Strip and exacting a heavy price from the terrorist organizations,” adding, “I would like to reiterate: Whoever harms us, whoever sends terrorists against us, will pay the price.”