Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, visited soldiers and civilians who have been wounded in Operation Protective Edge and told them, “All of Israel embraces you and wishes you a quick recovery. You were wounded on the most important mission of all – defending our home.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with dozens of ambassadors who were touring the hospital and told them, “I expect not only your support but your moral stand against a terrorist organization that is attacking us. Any democracy would do what Israel is doing in order to defend itself.”

Earlier, at Ashkelon City Hall, Prime Minster Netanyahu met with dozens of local and regional council heads and told them, “You are all leaders at the front. You are doing exceptional work. This is a very important part of the campaign. I would like to express my support for you and all Israelis.”

Ashkelon Mayor Itamar Shimoni said at the start of the meeting, “I would like to say on behalf of all of us that our national resilience is tremendous. As a leader, you have gone step-by-step, sagaciously. The people of Israel have the right leader at the right time.”

Earlier this morning, Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and told them that the international community must act to demilitarize Gaza.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)