The Israel Defense Forces logo. Photo: IDF.

JNS.org – Thirteen Israeli soldiers from the Golani Brigade were killed during the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) ground operation in Gaza, bringing the total number of military casualties for the Jewish state during Operation Protective Edge to 18.

The IDF uncovered at least 40 terror tunnels and arrested 13 Hamas terrorists in Gaza over the weekend, Haaretz reported.

“You need to clean out the Gaza region [of tunnels], you need to find those tunnel openings,” IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz told soldiers. “I always said that what the nation sees as an emergency, we see as war. That is how you need to enter this [operation]. You have your enemies, and you have your mission.”