Israel's deputy ambassador to the US admits his country may pay "a dear price" for defending itself against Hamas but says it will not come close to that it is already paying with the loss of lives.
Eliav Benjamin told 9News the Israeli people are "completely resolute in hitting back" and ensuring atrocities against it never happen again.
"We will do anything and everything that we need to do to defeat Hamas," Benjamin said.
"We know that we have to pay a price for defending our country, for living in our country, for having our country.
"People are coming, enlisting and joining the military, even though they are retired.
"They want to help and contribute to the efforts of the people and of the military."
Watch the video above to see the full interview with 9News US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley.
