Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s key objectives in the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip: destroying the militant group and securing the return of all hostages held in Gaza.
“We are not giving up on this for a single minute,” the Israeli leader said during a visit to the headquarters of military intelligence on Monday, which was also posted on X.
“The two goals are intertwined,” he stressed.
Israel has faced massive international criticism over its conduct in Gaza. Most recently, foreign ministers from more than two dozen countries issued a joint statement calling for an immediate end to the Gaza war.
The death toll in the sealed off enclave is nearing 60,000, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry there.
The Israeli leader also stated that the fight against the “Iranian axis” is not over. In addition to Hamas, Israel must also address the Houthi militia in Yemen, which is backed by Iran.
Netanyahu added that Israel must preserve its achievements in the war with Iran. In June, Israel bombed nuclear facilities and missile launch sites in Iran, which responded with counterattacks.