In a televised address this Saturday, the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterated warnings toward Lebanon, stating that the country would face destruction if the Hezbollah movement escalated into a full war with Israel. He underscored a firm resolve to restore security across the northern and southern frontlines while warning that any militant misstep would have severe consequences for Lebanon itself.
Netanyahu declared that conditions would be met with a relentless campaign against Hezbollah’s actions on the northern border. He described ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist cells, remove weapons caches, and deter threats along the border, asserting that the path to security would rely on continued deterrence and eventual victory in the south.
Turning to the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu argued that the sole means to dismantle the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) would be a ground invasion, stating that the operation would persist until its stated goals were achieved. He stressed a determination to press forward with the campaign until Hamas posed no future threat to Israeli safety.
On the subject of hostages, Netanyahu reaffirmed a commitment to bring those held abroad home. He emphasized the dual aim of ending the immediate danger while ensuring that Hamas could not threaten Israel again from Gaza, highlighting a comprehensive approach to eliminate capabilities that could threaten the country’s security.
He spoke plainly about the ongoing war, insisting that there was no alternative to achieving the objectives through decisive action, including a land invasion if required. The leader reiterated that the campaign would continue until all goals were met, conveying a belief that victory would come only through sustained military effort.
Netanyahu noted that 110 hostages had been released to date, including civilians from various age groups. He reflected on the heavy moral and practical considerations behind the decision to negotiate, acknowledging the hurt involved in negotiating with those who commit violence, but arguing that such choices saved many lives even as the mission remained unfinished.
The Israeli prime minister condemned Hamas for obstructing access by the International Committee of the Red Cross to hostages, linking such behavior to violations of the ceasefire agreement and stressing the importance of humanitarian access in conflict zones.
Regarding international reactions, Netanyahu acknowledged external pressure from some allies while maintaining that Israel possessed the strategic space to press forward with its war aims until security assurances were achieved. He addressed questions about a recent press conference by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, explaining that while a joint appearance had been proposed, it did not take place.
He also commented on a separate incident in which an Israeli civilian was killed as a result of gunfire during an attack, calling the event tragic. He argued that armed civilians could play a constructive role in safeguarding communities during such crises, though he expressed sorrow over the loss and emphasized the need for protective measures to prevent further harm.