At Sunday’s cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to expand Israel’s operations in Gaza, eliminate Hamas leaders, and dismantle Iran’s regional axis—despite mounting international criticism.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened today’s (Sunday) cabinet meeting with a defiant message: Israel will press ahead with its final push into Gaza City, hunting down Hamas terrorists “until complete victory” is achieved.
“We Will Reach Everyone”
Netanyahu said IDF and Shin Bet forces had eliminated Nukhba terrorists central to the October 7 massacre, including the fighter who infamously phoned his parents to boast of murdering ten Israelis.
“This is a clear message that we will reach everyone,” Netanyahu declared, thanking Israel’s security services.
He added that Israel is destroying Hamas infrastructure, collapsing terror strongholds, and opening humanitarian corridors to allow civilians to flee. So far, 100,000 Gazans have left the city, though Hamas is violently blocking others from escaping.
“We recently saw them shooting women and children in the legs—and if necessary, directly—in order to stop them leaving. Hamas wants human shields, we want to separate civilians from terrorists.”
Hostage Families and Psychological Warfare
Netanyahu also addressed Hamas’s release of a hostage video featuring Alon Ohel and Guy Gilboa Dalal, calling it “cruel and vile.”
“I spoke at length with their families on Friday and strengthened them on my behalf and on behalf of the nation. Most Israeli citizens stand with these families against this psychological terror,” he said.
Targeting Iran’s Axis
Beyond Gaza, Netanyahu framed the war as part of a wider struggle against Iran’s regional proxy network.
“Our operation in Gaza—essentially the last stronghold—is part of dismantling the Iranian axis’s chokehold. We have struck Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Assad’s regime. And at the pinnacle, we struck Iran itself, removing the existential threat of nuclear bombs and missiles.”
Diplomatic Fallout vs. Military Victory
Acknowledging the diplomatic price Israel is paying internationally, Netanyahu said the government is establishing new mechanisms to strengthen public diplomacy. But he emphasized that Israel’s priority is victory.
“If I must choose between victory over our enemies and negative propaganda, I choose victory. I do not want obituaries in the global media—I want Israel safe.”
War Objectives Unchanged
Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s three war aims:
- Eliminating Hamas
- Returning all hostages
- Ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel
He concluded:
“We will continue until we achieve complete victory.”
