From Washington, PM Netanyahu Reaffirms Israel’s Determination to Defeat Hamas and Free Hostages
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a video statement from Washington, DC, outlining Israel’s unwavering resolve to dismantle Hamas and secure the return of hostages held in Gaza. The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts and rising international scrutiny over the duration of the war.
“We are determined to bring them all back,” Netanyahu declared, referring to the hostages. He revealed that Israel is currently pursuing a deal to secure the release of approximately half of the remaining hostages—both living and deceased—in exchange for a 60-day temporary ceasefire.
Crucially, Netanyahu emphasized that such a ceasefire would not mark the end of the war, but the beginning of negotiations toward a permanent cessation of hostilities. He made clear that Israel’s participation in these talks is contingent on achieving three non-negotiable conditions:
- Full demilitarization of Gaza
- Hamas relinquishing all weapons
- Hamas losing all governing and military capabilities
“These are our base conditions,” Netanyahu stressed. “If this isn’t achieved in 60 days of negotiations, we will achieve it through other means—through force, the force of our heroic military.”
Addressing public frustration over the war’s length, Netanyahu acknowledged the complexity and difficulty faced by the IDF: “Few armies have had to deal with such conditions. But thanks to the heroism of our soldiers, we’ve inflicted significant damage on Hamas. Still, thousands of their fighters remain, and we will continue—diplomatically and militarily—until our objectives are met.”
On the broader regional front, Netanyahu also issued a stark warning regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “If a deal dismantling the Iranian nuclear threat is reached within 60 days of negotiations between the US and Iran, great. If not—it will be achieved through other means.”
In response to criticism over previous ceasefires, Netanyahu was unequivocal: “The last ceasefire did not end the war—and neither will this one unless our conditions are fully met. If Hamas’s disarmament can be achieved through diplomacy, we’ll welcome it. If not, we’ll finish the job by force.”
Netanyahu’s statement underscores Israel’s dual-track approach of diplomacy backed by military readiness—and signals that while Israel is open to negotiation, it will not compromise on the fundamental goal of removing the Hamas threat.
