Netanyahu hits back: “Military pressure on Hamas is paying off”

In a cabinet meeting on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the ongoing military campaign and efforts to bring back hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu firmly rejected claims that the government was not negotiating or caring for the hostages and emphasized that military pressure on Hamas was proving effective. He argued that the dual approach of hitting Hamas's military and governance capabilities while creating favorable conditions for hostages' release was working and would continue.

Netanyahu clarified three specific accusations made against the government: the claim that Israel wasn’t negotiating, the assertion that Israel was unwilling to discuss a final stage for peace, and the accusation that the government didn’t care about the hostages. He firmly stated that negotiations were ongoing, even amid military pressure, and that the government was open to discussing the final phase of a peace agreement. He also rejected the claim that the government wasn’t concerned about the hostages, asserting that both he and his wife had met with families of hostages and felt their immense pain.

The Prime Minister also addressed the threat posed by Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border, emphasizing Israel’s no-compromise stance in Lebanon. He demanded that the Lebanese government take responsibility for preventing attacks from its territory. Additionally, Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for the United States’ aggressive actions against the Houthis, praising the U.S. for its support and alignment with Israel in defense matters. He concluded by highlighting the strength of Israel’s alliance with the U.S. and the importance of international support in their efforts.