Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Reuters)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today, Saturday, that he will continue to strike Gaza with all his strength, calling on the United States not to give in to any pressure regarding a ceasefire in the Strip.
He also said at a news conference: “We appreciate the continued American military support for us,” but added: “There are American voices that do not support us and we are fighting them.”
He called on Americans not to give in to pressure from minorities in the United States to stop the war on Gaza, as he called it.
He said: “There are people who put pressure on the leaders, but I tell them not to give in to the pressure. Our war is also your war,” criticizing voices condemning war in the West.
Warning to Hezbollah
Furthermore, the Israeli prime minister declared: “I warned Hezbollah against making a mistake and going to war,” adding: “We are ready to move on all fronts, especially on the northern one.”
He continued: “The return of the abducted people is an important goal for us,” indicating that there will be no ceasefire without the return of the prisoners.
He also said: “Negotiations for the release of hostages are conducted through the Mossad.”
It will not relinquish security control over Gaza
Netanyahu made clear that Tel Aviv will not relinquish security control over Gaza under any circumstances, stressing that Israeli forces have completed the siege of the Gaza Strip.
He continued: “The army will continue to have security control over the Gaza Strip after the war,” ruling out any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza after the war.
He also said, “We will not talk about the future of Gaza until after the elimination of Hamas,” indicating that peace and security come after the elimination of the armed movement.
Members of the Israeli army inside the Gaza Strip – France Press
More than a month ago, Israel launched a violent attack on the Gaza Strip following an unprecedented attack carried out by the movement on October 7 inside the Jewish state, which, according to Israel, left 1,200 people dead, according to a new tribute and the kidnapping of 239 hostages.
The violent bombing campaign and attack on Israeli soil since that date has led to the deaths of more than 11,078 people, including more than 4,506 children, according to the latest toll announced Friday by the Hamas government’s Ministry of Health.