Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in an interview with CBS’s Face the Nation that “victory is within reach and there can be no victory without eliminating Hamas.” Netanyahu outlined three war goals, including freeing hostages, destroying Hamas, and ensuring Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel.
Netanyahu emphasized the importance of taking action in Rafah, Hamas’s last stronghold, where four command battalions are concentrated. He revealed plans for a two-pronged approach to the military operation in Rafah, involving evacuating Palestinian civilians and destroying remaining Hamas forces.
The Prime Minister made it clear that Israel is committed to achieving complete victory, regardless of whether a deal is reached. He indicated that the intense phase of fighting will be completed within weeks, not months.
When questioned about protecting the 1.4 million civilians in Rafah, Netanyahu explained that the population is in the area to shield them from combat zones in the north. He suggested that there is now room for them to move to safer locations where the fighting has ceased.
Netanyahu’s statements highlight Israel’s determination to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.