Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke at the conclusion of another officer course ceremony at Bahad 1, and in his speech, he explained that he does not intend to commit to an arbitrary date for the end of the war, and that clear goals have been set on the path to victory.
After the reports on drafts of ceasefire agreements with Lebanon, and the rumours about the imminent end of the manoeuvre in Lebanon, Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke out against the idea that the war has an arbitrary end date. The Prime Minister explained: "I do not set a target date for the end of the war, but I do set clear goals for victory in the war."
In a broader reference to the war and the regional situation, the Prime Minister explained: "We are dealing with the octopus's tentacles while simultaneously striking at the head of the octopus – Iran." Netanyahu also emphasized the impact of the war's achievements on the Middle East, but he also announced that the work is not yet finished: "We are changing the face of the Middle East." But to be clear – we are still in the eye of the storm. "Great challenges lie ahead of us, and I do not underestimate our enemies at all."
Regarding the efforts for regulation in the North and the attempts to reach an agreement in the South, the Prime Minister said: "The agreements, the papers, the proposals, the numbers – 1559, 1701 – their honour is in their place, but they are not the main thing." "The main thing is our ability and determination to enforce security, thwart attacks against us, and act against the arming of our enemies despite all the pressures and constraints, that is the main thing," and he emphasized his commitment to Israel's security freedom of action in the future.
Regarding relations with the U.S. just before the elections, Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for the American partners, but also qualified his words: "I greatly appreciate the support of the U.S.; when possible – I say yes, but when necessary – I say no."
