In a statement to the media on Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "Hamas started a cruel and evil war. We will win this war, but the price will be heavy... We will take revenge on them for the black day they have inflicted on Israel and its citizens," Haaretz reports.

"What happened today hasn't been seen in Israel, and I will make sure that it doesn't happen again. The entire government stands behind this decision. The military will immediately use all its power to disable Hamas' capabilities. We will beat them to death," he continued.

"I tell Hamas, you are responsible for the wellbeing of captives; Israel will settle the score with anyone who harms them." Netanyahu also called on Gazans to leave areas near Hamas targets. "This war will take time, it will be difficult. Challenging days are ahead of us," Netanyahu said.