In recent talks with American officials, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated a firm stance on the Gaza conflict, stating that the war will not end until Hamas is eliminated. The position comes amid mounting differences between Washington and Tel Aviv over the scope and pace of the campaign in Gaza, as intentions and timelines have grown more nuanced in the days leading up to the discussions.
Netanyahu conveyed the sentiment during a meeting with the U.S. national security advisor, stressing that the sacrifices of Israeli forces would not be in vain. He emphasized that the struggle would continue with unwavering resolve until Hamas’s leadership and military capabilities are dismantled and a decisive victory is achieved. The remarks were issued after the Israeli leader’s talks in Tel Aviv with U.S. officials, underscoring a shared objective to disrupt Hamas’s operational network.
U.S. officials arrived in Israel to engage at the highest levels, including a first formal encounter between the U.S. national security advisor and Israel’s top security planners. The discussions, attended alongside the defense leadership, centered on the campaign’s trajectory and the strategic considerations involved in eroding Hamas’s military capacity. Washington signaled that the offensive might extend for an extended period, potentially several months, before the group’s infrastructure and capabilities are fully neutralized. This forecast reflects a careful balance between military aims and the broader regional and humanitarian implications of an extended conflict.
The dialogue between the two allies reflected a shared concern for securing civilian safety and preserving regional stability, even as the tactical objective remained focused on neutralizing Hamas’s threat. Israeli and American officials reiterated their commitment to coordinating steps on the ground, aiming to sustain pressure on Hamas while managing international expectations and the evolving security landscape. The exchange highlighted a mutual willingness to reassess strategies as the situation develops, including the timing of potential pauses, the scale of operations, and the sequencing of actions against hardened targets identified within Hamas’s network.