Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to escalate Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, promising to use “full force” in the coming days to “complete” the operation aimed at defeating the Iran-backed terror group.
Speaking to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reservists on Monday, Netanyahu emphasized the need for finality in the conflict.
“In the coming days, we are going in with full force to complete the operation,” Netanyahu said. “Completing the operation means defeating Hamas. It means destroying Hamas.”
Netanyahu also stressed the dual objectives of the mission: eliminating Hamas and securing the release of the remaining hostages the terror group took during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. He made it clear that both goals are intertwined.
“Eliminating Hamas and freeing the hostages go hand in hand,” he stated. “If Hamas offers to release more hostages, we will accept them, but the war will continue.”
While Netanyahu acknowledged the possibility of temporary ceasefires, he made it clear that the war will not stop until Hamas is fully defeated. “There may be a temporary ceasefire, but we’re going all the way,” he asserted.
Netanyahu’s comments came shortly before Hamas released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander on Monday. Alexander’s release brings hope to the families of the 58 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli Prime Minister’s remarks signaled Israel’s commitment to finishing the operation, no matter the situation on the ground.
In related developments, U.S. Special Envoy Adam Boehler and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff met with families of the hostages in Tel Aviv on Tuesday. They then traveled to Doha, Qatar, for talks on a potential ceasefire in Gaza. Boehler expressed optimism about future hostages being freed, noting that Alexander’s release could pave the way for the remaining captives to be freed.
“If we didn’t believe there was a genuine chance for progress, we wouldn’t be going to Doha,” Boehler stated, as he assured hostages’ families of ongoing efforts to negotiate their loved ones’ return.
