Operation Pillar of Defense achieved its objectives, IDF Chief of Staff
Lt.-Gen.
Benny Gantz said Friday, while visiting Israelis wounded during
the operation, hospitalized at Soroka University Medical Center in
Beersheba.
He predicted that the results of the operation would become
apparent in due course, while Gazans would understand the extent of the damage
caused.
Gantz also praised the coordination between the military and
political echelons during the operation.
“The results will speak for
themselves, and I suggest that people don’t get excited about demonstrations
against the ending of the operation,” Gantz said. He added that the IDF was now
working to ensure that the security situation improves.
Earlier Friday,
Capt. Boris Yarmulnik, 28, killed by a rocket during the operation, was laid to
rest at the military cemetery in the Ben Zion neighborhood of
Netanya.
Yarmulnik, an IDF reserve soldier, died of his wounds Thursday
after being critically wounded in a Wednesday rocket attack in the Eshkol
area.
Four other soldiers were wounded lightly in the rocket attack
Wednesday, and airlifted to hospital.
Yarmulnik became the sixth Israeli
citizen killed in rocket attacks from Gaza during Operation Pillar of Defense.