Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he received a message this Sunday in the form of a letter from families of fallen soldiers. The letter calls for continuing the military campaign in the Gaza Strip, underscoring a shared resolve among those who have paid a high price in the conflict.
Haaretz reported that Netanyahu referenced the letter, attributed to the head of the Israeli Government Council of Ministers, and captured a firm sentiment: there is no room to pause during a fight when lives and security are on the line. The message was signed by dozens of families who mourn heroes lost in the ongoing battles.
The letter expresses a clear demand from citizens and soldiers alike: a lasting victory requires sustained effort on the front lines. It emphasizes the necessity of pressing forward rather than halting the struggle midway, reflecting a collective will to pursue decisive outcomes in the face of ongoing threats.
In response, Netanyahu invoked the resolve of the fallen as a guiding force, affirming that the nation will fight to the end. He articulated a multi-faceted objective: the elimination of Hamas, the rescue of all captives, and the commitment that Gaza will no longer serve as a hub for terror and incitement against the State of Israel. The address linked the efforts to a broader aim of ensuring public safety and reducing the capacity for future attacks against Israeli citizens.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich added a demand for prompt assurances that the other side will be prepared to engage in negotiations. He framed the policy as a blunt calculation: destroy Hamas so there is no one left to talk to on the opposing side. His stance reflects a focus on strategic deterrence and the need to shift the balance of power in the region to secure durable outcomes.
On the same day, reports from Channel 12 indicated that Smotrich had reached a breakthrough agreement regarding funds collected by Israel on behalf of the Palestinian Authority. The proposal would place control over the distribution of these funds with Israeli oversight as part of a broader arrangement supported by the United States.
The described agreement also includes provisions to veto any payments to Hamas members and to reallocate all funds previously held by Israel that are necessary to cover the payrolls of Palestinian Authority officials in the Gaza Strip. The arrangement signals a linkage between financial flows and security governance, aiming to curb support networks that may sustain militant groups within the territory.