Since the Gaza operation began, the Israel Defense Forces have reported significant progress against Hamas, including the claimed destruction of 17 of 24 battalions. The remaining units are said to be active in the southern Gaza Strip, with authorities signaling plans to press the campaign toward them as well. This framework was outlined by the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, in a government meeting. The assertion highlights a continuing campaign aimed at degrading the militant network and its operational capabilities across the territory. [Source: IDF briefing attribution].
Netanyahu stated, as reported by government officials, that 17 battalions have been neutralized to date and that most of the remaining forces are positioned in the south of the Gaza Strip and Rafah, where additional actions are anticipated to follow. The remarks reflect a broader objective to reduce the movement and reach of Hamas and to strengthen security in affected areas. [Source: Israeli government remarks attribution].
Officials indicated that a sustained clearance operation would be necessary to dismantle Hamas’s network completely, including disrupting underground infrastructure used by the group. The description underscores a strategy focused on removing the militant group’s ability to operate and reduce its foothold within the region. [Source: official briefing attribution].
According to the Prime Minister, the war in Gaza will continue until the stated goals are achieved, including the elimination of Hamas’s capacity to threaten Israeli security, the safe return of hostages, and guarantees that Gaza will no longer serve as a threat. The framing presents a condition for what would be regarded as a successful outcome of the campaign. [Source: government briefing attribution].
In related actions, the Israeli forces previously halted activity and seized assets within an underground facility linked to a Hamas-controlled bank in the Gaza Strip, including money and documents. The move is described as part of efforts to disrupt Hamas’s financial networks. [Source: military operation report attribution].
Earlier statements from Netanyahu signaled a firm stance regarding hostages, with the view that they would not be released at any price, a position reiterated in official communications. The position reflects the intertwining of military objectives with political and humanitarian considerations in the ongoing conflict. [Source: official remarks attribution].