Worthy Christian News > Israel-Palestinian Conflict > Netanyahu: Victory in Gaza Means Defeating Hamas and Freeing Hostages

Netanyahu: Victory in Gaza Means Defeating Hamas and Freeing Hostages

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that victory in Gaza requires both the defeat of Hamas and the release of hostages during a visit to reservist soldiers at a training base in southern Israel.

“We are determined to achieve two goals,” said Netanyahu. “One — to defeat Hamas, to defeat Hamas, to eliminate Hamas. The second thing, of course, at the same time — to release our hostages.”

Netanyahu reiterated last week that the primary objective of the ongoing conflict is the destruction of Hamas, a statement that drew criticism from families of hostages.

“To Hamas, I say one thing: — the rules are going to change very soon,” he added.

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a new plan granting the Israel Defense Forces control over the Gaza Strip, with troops remaining in captured territory.

“We have more challenges, but we have a strong spirit, and this spirit is achieved by our army, which is composed of both regulars and reservists,” said Netanyahu.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s government faces mounting criticism as tens of thousands of reservists are being called up again, despite a proposed conscription bill allowing most ultra-Orthodox men to avoid military service.

“The reservists do a fantastic job,” said Netanyahu. “It places a great burden on them, on their families, on their wives and children, and sometimes their spouses. And we are determined to help them, because they deserve everything. We have given a lot, but more needs to be given – and we will do it.”

Israel’s security cabinet has approved “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” a sweeping military offensive targeting Hamas in Gaza, set to commence if a hostage deal is not reached by the end of U.S. President Donald Trump’s May 13–16 Middle East visit.

“If there is no hostage deal, Operation ‘Gideon Chariots’ will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its goals are achieved,” a senior Israeli defense official stated.

The plan includes military control of Gaza, forced population displacements to the south, and restrictions on Hamas’s access to humanitarian aid. Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE is expected to focus on ceasefire negotiations amid escalating tensions.