In a recent address to the nation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed his primary focus during the ongoing conflict with Hamas as "ensuring the safety of the nation" and hinted at an imminent ground operation aimed at eliminating Hamas.
Netanyahu, speaking passionately, stated, "We find ourselves in the midst of a campaign for our nation's survival. We have set two key objectives for this war: dismantling Hamas by targeting its military and administrative infrastructure and making every effort to bring our abducted citizens back home. It's important to remember that all Hamas members, whether above ground, below ground, within Gaza, or beyond, are mortal."
The Israeli leader emphasized that the sole mission at hand was to protect the country and attain victory.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has now extended into its twentieth day, marking it as the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for both sides. According to the Gaza health ministry, more than 6,500 casualties have been reported due to Israeli actions, including approximately 2,700 children.
Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed, "When we undertake a ground operation in Gaza, we will ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous acts committed by Hamas and ISIS militants pay the full price."
Netanyahu also discussed military preparations, revealing that since the conflict's outset, Israel has created 600 additional reserve units. He added, "We are receiving shipments of weaponry from abroad to bolster our efforts. We are actively encouraging and assisting citizens in arming themselves for self-defense, all in a regulated manner."
Furthermore, he clarified, "Every member of Hamas is a marked individual, whether above or below ground, inside or outside Gaza. Together with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Minister Benny Gantz, the security cabinet, the chief of staff, and the heads of security organizations, we are tirelessly working to achieve our war objectives, without taking political considerations into account."
After a UN resolution condemning Hamas's attacks on Israel was vetoed by Russia and China, Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan suggested that these nations might have responded more assertively had they experienced a similar massacre.
Erdan emphasized, "In Israel, we are fighting for our very survival. If your nations had faced a similar catastrophe, I believe your response would be equally resolute."
Netanyahu reiterated, "We are seeking support from world leaders to continue our campaign. Many of them are now comprehending what we have been stressing since 2014: Hamas is synonymous with ISIS, and vice versa."
Meanwhile, the United States has announced plans to deploy missile defense systems to safeguard its troops in the region. This development coincides with separate efforts by the United States and Russia at the UN to broker a ceasefire for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Netanyahu underscored, "Israel's conflict with Hamas is a test for all of humanity. It represents a struggle between the axis of evil comprising Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, and the axis of freedom and progress. We stand as the bearers of light against the forces of darkness, and ultimately, the light will prevail."
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