We spoke to Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner of the Israel Defence Forces. We began by asking him for his response to criticisms by Israelis of the IDF’s slow response time - in some cases up to ten hours - following Saturday’s attacks.
The attack on the music festival was part of the larger assault on Israel by Hamas fighters who blew through a fortified border fence in an unprecedented surprise attack that began Saturday.
Israel - Palestine Conflict Live Updates: World leaders condemned the attack and the US said that it was sending warships and warplanes as it pledged "unwavering" support to its ally.
What all this spells, for the moment at least, is the victory of Iran and Hamas’s vision of violent resistance as opposed to that of the Saudis and Emiratis, which has emphasised peace, stability and prosperity
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesman, acknowledged the army owes the public an explanation. But he said now is not the time. “First, we fight, then we investigate,” he said.