Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a visit to Israel, describing himself as a target in Hamas’ October 7 assault on the Jewish state. The remarks were reported by TASS, the Russian news agency, and echoed the broader international concern over the assault’s scale and intent.
Netanyahu asserted that one aim behind Hamas’ October 7 attack was to derail efforts to normalize relations across the Middle East. By targeting Israel, Hamas appeared to seek to complicate diplomatic openings and regional cooperation that had been taking shape in various capitals.
During the encounter, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of continued British backing for Israel in its fight against Hamas. The two leaders discussed the security challenges facing Israel and the role of allied support in sustaining military operations and regional stability.
On October 7, Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israel and announced the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Simultaneously, a large number of militants moved across Israeli territory, prompting Israel to declare a state of war and mobilize security forces nationwide.
Israel’s response came in the form of a large-scale military operation, with the defense forces naming the campaign Iron Swords. The declared objective was the dismantling and defeat of Hamas forces operating within Israeli borders and the broader territory it controls or influences.
Earlier statements from Netanyahu described Israel’s actions as a massive, unprecedented military counterstrike. The leadership framed the operation as necessary to restore security and deter further aggression from Hamas and allied factions.