Netanyahu Reaffirms Israel's Stance on Hamas and the Gaza War

In a recent interview with Wall Street Journal editorial writer Elliot Kaufman, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to defeating Hamas, stating that Israel would not agree to end the war until the Palestinian terrorist group is removed from power in Gaza.

“We’re not going to leave them in power in Gaza, 30 miles from Tel Aviv. It’s not going to happen,” Netanyahu asserted, emphasizing that Israel’s primary goal is the complete destruction of Hamas, not just temporary deterrent measures. This statement comes amid growing international calls for a ceasefire and a hostage release deal in Gaza. Netanyahu made it clear that such a deal would only be considered partial as long as Hamas remains in control.

The prime minister discussed Israel's military strategy, noting the significant progress made against Hamas and Hezbollah. He highlighted the dismantling of Syria’s Assad regime and the weakening of Iran’s proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, as a sign of Israel’s success. Netanyahu emphasized that the goal was to uproot Hamas entirely, not just to deliver deterrent blows.

In his comments, Netanyahu also described a disagreement within the Israeli military shortly after the October 7 attacks, where some officials suggested focusing on Hezbollah instead of Hamas. However, Netanyahu opposed this idea, arguing that Israel should focus its efforts on one front at a time.

Netanyahu also defended Israel's stance on maintaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor in southern Gaza, stating that it was crucial not only to destroy Hamas but also to control the area. He argued that without securing this corridor, Israel’s victory over Hamas would not be complete.

The interview also touched on Israel's relationship with the United States, particularly regarding military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu acknowledged the pressure US President Joe Biden is under regarding Israel’s actions, especially when it comes to entering the Rafah area. He referred to the US withholding weapons as a "legitimate case," expressing his appreciation for Biden’s difficult position.

Concerns Over Hezbollah and Iran's Role

Looking to Israel’s northern border, Netanyahu spoke about Hezbollah’s influence and its ties to Iran. He noted that before Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s death, he had taken control of military operations, positioning himself as the central figure in the regional conflict. Netanyahu also discussed Israel’s efforts to prevent Iran from supplying Hezbollah with weapons, stating that Israel had struck Syrian weapons facilities to prevent such transfers.

In line with the ongoing military operations, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes in Gaza, targeting a Hamas command center located in a former school building. The military confirmed the strike, claiming that the facility had been used for terror activities against Israel. The IDF emphasized its efforts to minimize civilian casualties through precision strikes and intelligence gathering.

In a separate report, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN News confirmed the death of a senior Hamas official, Muhammad Abu Askar, in an airstrike in northern Gaza.