Defying Defeatism, the Prime Minister’s Policies are Essential to Ensure Long-Term Safety for Israel

In recent weeks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced severe criticism from political opponents and international observers over his handling of the war with Hamas. His unwavering stance against negotiating with terrorists and his refusal to release convicted murderers in exchange for hostages has been labeled by some as intransigent. However, this perspective misses the critical reality: Netanyahu’s policies are rooted in ensuring Israel’s long-term security and preventing future atrocities.

While all of Israel wants the hostages to be returned, a responsible statement must insist: not at any price. Defeating Hamas, destroying its military capacity, killing its murderers — these are essential to extracting our hostages at a bearable costs. Hamas must be brought to its knees, to capitulate and surrender if the hostages — all of them — are to be returned. Nothing less.

Netanyahu has been clear in his refusal to capitulate to those who call for the immediate return of hostages at any cost. “We will not release terrorists who have the blood of Israelis on their hands,” Netanyahu stated in a recent speech. “We will not allow the murderers of our people to go free to kill again. Our resolve is to protect our citizens and ensure that such atrocities do not happen again.”

Critics, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, have labeled Netanyahu’s stance as harsh and uncompromising. Lapid’s recent comments, calling Netanyahu a “crybaby” for standing firm in the face of explicit threats to murder the Prime Minister, undermine the gravity of the situation. They ignore the significant progress made under Netanyahu’s leadership in dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure and weakening their capacity for future attacks.

A Strategic Focus on Rafiah and the Philadelphi Corridor

One of the key components of Netanyahu’s strategy has been the insistence on entering Rafiah and the Philadelphi Corridor, critical areas for Hamas’s smuggling operations. Netanyahu has emphasized the importance of controlling these regions to cut off the flow of weapons and resources to Hamas. “Entering Rafiah and securing the Philadelphi Corridor is essential to our mission. It is where we will choke off the lifeline of terror,” he remarked in a recent interview.

Acknowledging Successes

Under Netanyahu’s leadership, significant strides have been made in degrading Hamas’s capabilities. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted numerous successful operations that have targeted key Hamas figures and infrastructure. These efforts have been instrumental in preventing further attacks and saving countless lives. It is believed that half of Hamas fighters have been killed.

Moreover, Netanyahu’s approach has garnered support from key allies. The United States and several European nations have expressed their backing for Israel’s right to defend itself. This international support is crucial as Israel navigates the complex geopolitical landscape.

The Real Threat

The reality is stark: more than ten times the number of current hostages were killed on October 7, and four times as many have died in subsequent battles. The threat posed by Hamas is not hypothetical but a proven danger. Allowing them to remain in control, or worse, releasing convicted terrorists, would likely result in more bloodshed.

Netanyahu’s war policies are not about cruelty or obstinacy; they are about protecting Israel’s future. The defeatists who advocate for negotiation at any cost fail to grasp the long-term consequences of their approach. The path to peace is not through appeasement but through a firm and resolute stance against those who seek Israel’s destruction.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s resolve in the face of unprecedented challenges is not only justified but necessary. His policies are ensuring that Israel does not capitulate to terror and that the long-term security and safety of its citizens are prioritized. As Netanyahu stated, “We will not rest until we have dismantled the terror networks that threaten our nation. This is our duty, and we will see it through.” Now is the time for unity and support for Netanyahu’s leadership, as he strives to achieve the stated war aims and secure a lasting peace for Israel.