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Netanyahu Announces Near Conclusion of the War and Plans for a Wide-Scale Operation in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is "approaching the end of the war," emphasizing that efforts are focused on "eliminating the remaining Iranian influence and rescuing all hostages."
In a speech delivered during the opening of the Knesset Museum in Jerusalem, Netanyahu revealed that the Security Cabinet made a "dramatic decision" to eliminate Hamas after the Israeli military seized 70% of the Gaza Strip. He explained that the army has been ordered to take control of Gaza City, which he described as the "capital of terrorism."
Netanyahu outlined "five principles for ending the war": dismantling Hamas and its weapons, returning all hostages, disarming the Gaza Strip, establishing Israeli security control over the territory, and setting up an alternative civil administration that is not governed by Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
He emphasized that Hamas "rejects any peace deal" and demands a full withdrawal, including from the Philadelphia corridor, the release of senior Hamas members, and guarantees to prevent the army from resuming hostilities. Netanyahu added that "any responsible government would not accept these demands" and that the way to recover the hostages is to "eliminate Hamas."
Hamas has long accused Netanyahu and his far-right government of "breaking the ceasefire agreement," following negotiations, and "endangering the lives of the prisoners."
Meanwhile, the Israeli military plans to present a broad operational strategy to the political leadership within the next two weeks, targeting the "occupation of Gaza," according to Israeli Channel 12. The plan primarily focuses on Gaza City and central refugee camps.
The first phase involves "mobilizing approximately 250,000 reserve soldiers, encircling Gaza City completely to cut off supplies and isolate it from its surroundings, establishing protected humanitarian zones and 12 aid distribution points under Israeli supervision, followed by organized civil evacuations, then taking control of the city and clearing it, with the possibility of expanding the operation to central refugee camps."
Israeli Broadcasting Authority (Kan) reports that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the plan, warning that Netanyahu might retreat under pressure. He argued that the decision does not lead to victory but aims to pressure Hamas into reaching a partial deal.
According to Channel 12, the plan—based on the directives of the Security Cabinet—aims to address two main challenges: ensuring the safety of the hostages and minimizing Israel's deteriorating international standing amid decreasing global support for the operation, apart from U.S. backing.
