Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz sent condolences to the families of the five soldiers who fell in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza Strip. Netanyahu stated: “On this difficult morning, the entire people of Israel bows its head and mourns the fall of our heroic soldiers, who risked their lives in the campaign to defeat Hamas and free all our hostages.” Defense Minister Israel Katz added: “I wish to share in the profound grief of the families; an entire nation embraces you. I also send wishes for a quick recovery to the wounded and strengthen our fighters who continue the mission.”