Herzog: "Mia's Video, the Cruel Face of Hamas"

Herzog: "I hope that peace will return to the south for good"

As part of his visit to Ofakim, he visited the local Operations Room and received a situation assessment. He said, "I am here in Ofakim. Ofakim, which was at the heart of the conflict on the 7th of October, Ofakim stood bravely, just like the entire region that stands bravely." He added, "Am Yisrael stands with strength, united as one! We will stand firm against this bitter and hasty enemy. We will defeat him, and with the help of God, we will bring the families and the captives back home!"

Earlier, the President visited the Civilian Operations Room in Netivot, where he was briefed on the situation in the city, including a meeting with volunteers on-site. He said, "We visit and tour every corner of the country, and when you come here, you feel that this place is exceptionally well managed."

According to President Herzog: "We see here a resilient system working in an exceptional manner, under a state of emergency, perhaps the most challenging since the establishment of the state. I want to thank all of you, and I want to strengthen the communities, all those who live and come through the gates of this wonderful city, 'who's ways are ways of peace.' I wish you good health, success, and that our soldiers return home after defeating the enemy. May calm return here, if we can hope for it, forever."