Netanyahu Emphasizes Complete Destruction of Hamas Amid Gaza Conflict
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas still possesses around 20,000 armed fighters and tens of thousands of weapons. According to him, the main objective of the war in Gaza is the “complete destruction of Hamas.”
In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said that the goals set for the Gaza war have not yet been fully achieved. He made these remarks while facing allegations of war crimes in Gaza from the International Criminal Court.
Netanyahu also claimed that Israel has emerged as the most powerful country in the Middle East from what he called a “forced seven-front war.” Regarding the deployment of international forces in Gaza, he said efforts have been made but have yet to yield results; however, Israel would give these efforts a chance.
In response to a question about the second phase of a ceasefire in Gaza, the Israeli Prime Minister said the process should be given time. On the West Bank, he stated that he is working to prevent retaliatory actions and desires peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians living in the area, while simultaneously emphasizing Israel’s continued military control over the West Bank.
In a separate interview with the American website Newsmax, Netanyahu said Israel would try to recover the “remains of the last hostage” in Gaza by any possible means. He also referred to the separatist region of Somaliland in Somalia, stating that this area seeks to join the Abraham Accords and differs politically from other parts of Somalia.
In another part of the interview, Netanyahu spoke cautiously yet with a warning tone about Iran, saying Israel does not seek to escalate tensions but will respond if targeted. He added that from Israel’s perspective, Tehran must not achieve nuclear enrichment capabilities.
