Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says intense fighting against Hamas in Gaza is nearing its end. In his first sit down interview with Israeli media since the start of the war, Netanyahu talked about deploying more troops to the northern border, with Lebanon, and addressed ongoing anti-government protests.

Jerusalem

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is 'at war' following a surprise attack from Gaza by Hamas militants.

Israel-Gaza War

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that intense fighting against Hamas in Gaza is nearing its end, but the overall conflict is far from over. Netanyahu, in his first interview with Israeli media since the onset of the war, clarified that a complete ceasefire deal is not feasible, countering the proposed three-phase plan by the Biden administration. He mentioned that a partial agreement to release some captives held in Gaza could be possible, but emphasized the need to continue the war to eradicate Hamas.

Netanyahu also addressed the escalating situation with Hezbollah on the northern border with Lebanon. He affirmed that Israel is prepared for all potential scenarios, including a full-scale conflict. Post the intense phase of the Gaza conflict, Netanyahu plans to deploy additional troops to the northern borders primarily for defense and to facilitate the return of civilians to their homes. Diplomatic solutions may also be sought.

The Israeli army has recently announced that it had neutralized half of Hamas' military capabilities in Rafah, noting that operations are expected to proceed for several more weeks. The army's spokesperson, however, expressed doubts about a complete defeat of Hamas in Gaza. The continuation of the conflict appears imminent unless considerable pressure from the United States materializes, potentially affecting the funding and supply of weapons.

Following this notable interview, Netanyahu faces increasing pressure from various fronts, including families of captives, international allies, and members of his own coalition.



Netanyahu says war will continue even after ceasefire deal with Hamas

For the first time since the outbreak of Israel's war on Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sits down for an interview with Israeli media. And just outside, a crowd gathered in protest. In his interview with Israel's far-right Channel 14, Netanyahu says this portion of intense fighting in Gaza is coming to an end, but that the war is far from over. Netanyahu says a total ceasefire deal is not on the table, straying away from the three-phase plan laid out by the Biden administration, and sparking outrage from families of Israeli captives still held in Gaza. I am not ready to stop the war and for Hamas to remain. I am ready to make a partial deal to return some of the people to us, but we are forced to continue this war after the truce to reach our goal, which is removing Hamas. I am not ready to compromise. And on the escalating situation with Hezbollah, he says Israel is prepared for all possible scenarios, including a full-scale war. After the end of the severe phase of the war, we will have the possibility to transfer part of the troops to the northern borders, and we will do it, firstly for defensive purposes and secondly to return the population to their homes. If we can, we will do it diplomatically. Last week, the Israeli army issued a statement saying it had defeated half of Hamas' military capabilities in Rafah, and that operations would last a few more weeks, while the army's spokesperson said a total defeat of Hamas in Gaza is unlikely. The possibility of war continuing seems to be very much still underway until there is serious significant pressure from the United States in the form of cutting off the money and the weapons that are enabling this war and this genocide to continue. In the wake of the rare interview, pressure continues to mount on the Israeli Prime Minister, from allies like the United States, to families of captives, and even from his own coalition. Hamda Salhout, Al Jazeera, Amman.

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Israel-Gaza War