"Operation Protective Edge is not over," Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon told Israeli Navy commandos and officers in Ashdod on Tuesday.
"But without a doubt, Hamas and the rest of the organizations in Gaza have suffered a devastating blow," he added. Ya'alon said the damage inflicted upon these groups far surpassed that during Operation Pillar of Defense, Operation Cast Lead, and the 2006 Second Lebanon War."
Ya'alon was visiting the navy base in Ashdod where he was briefed on the force's activities throughout the month-long offensive in Gaza, including the navy's efforts to neutralize rocket launching sites, neutralize terrorists and its other activities.
"There is no doubt that the navy played a crucial role in damaging the Gazan terror networks and securing the western part of the Strip," the minister said, adding that its operations from both the land and sea were important successes. He lauded their "professionalism, determination and commitment throughout the conflict."
He commended the force for their alertness throughout the conflict and said that "as big as the army is, at times, the entire security of Israel rests solely on the shoulders of a single soldier.
Ya'alon expressed caution regarding the 72-hour truce with Hamas that is set to expire on Wednesday night, saying he does not know if there will be a cease-fire extension or "another round of fire." He said the IDF could find itself once again engaged in military action and once again under attack from Hamas fire. "We must be vigilant all the time and be prepared."
The defense chief mentioned the attempted infiltration from the Zikim Beach last month and thanked the naval force for neutralizing terror threats that would otherwise be tackled in "face-to-face" battles.
Earlier, Israeli naval vessels fired warning shots over Palestinian fishing boats which were outside the permissible fishing zone designated by Israel. No injuries were reported in the incident, the army said.
Ya'alon's comments come a day after he said Israel would do whatever it could to return the remains of two IDF soldiers, St.-Sgt. Oron Shaul and Lt. Hadar Goldin, from the hands of Hamas.