PM and Defense Minister Katz assert that only a complete and uncompromising military triumph will secure the release of all captives. All other avenues have failed. The holidays are over. Now it’s crunch time.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed on Thursday that Israel’s paramount objective in the Gaza conflict is the decisive defeat of Hamas, asserting that such victory is essential for the safe return of all hostages. Speaking at the annual Independence Day Bible Contest in Jerusalem, Netanyahu stated:

“We have many goals, many goals in this war. We want to bring all our hostages home. We’ve so far brought back 147 alive, and 196 total. There are another up to 24 alive, 59 total, and we want to return the living and the dead. It’s a very important goal. The war has a supreme goal, and the supreme goal is victory over our enemies, and this we will achieve.”

Netanyahu’s emphasis on military victory aligns with Defense Minister Israel Katz’s stance. Katz has consistently advocated for uncompromising action against Hamas, asserting that the group’s defeat is non-negotiable. He emphasized that Israel will not permit Hamas to threaten its citizens and that continued pressure is necessary to compel the release of hostages. Katz stated:

“The more [Hamas] persists in its refusal, the more we will intensify the blows it will suffer until it is defeated and all the hostages are returned.”

This approach underscores the government’s belief that only through sustained military pressure can Hamas be forced to release the remaining captives. Netanyahu has previously warned that ending the war prematurely would embolden Hamas and jeopardize Israel’s security. He remarked:

“Ending the war on those terms would send the message to all of Israel’s enemies that by kidnapping Israelis, the State of Israel can be brought to its knees.”

While some families of hostages have expressed frustration over the government’s stance, Netanyahu maintains that a hasty ceasefire could undermine Israel’s long-term security and the prospects of recovering all hostages. He has pledged to continue the war until Hamas is dismantled and all captives are returned. Netanyahu affirmed:

“We will bring back all our hostages, destroy the murderers, eliminate Hamas, and together — with God’s help — we will secure our future.”

The Israeli leadership’s unified message is clear: only through unwavering military resolve can the nation ensure the safe return of its citizens and the dismantling of threats posed by Hamas.

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