In his first press conference in months, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the war in Gaza would only end if Hamas is fully dismantled and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate Gaza civilians is implemented. Calling the plan “brilliant” and “revolutionary,” Netanyahu said it could reshape the Middle East.
Netanyahu outlined key war goals: defeating Hamas, freeing hostages, and ensuring Gaza poses no future threat. He asserted that Israeli forces are dealing decisive blows and vowed full Israeli security control over Gaza once the operation concludes.
He also said he’s open to a temporary ceasefire to return hostages but insisted that a lasting peace depends on Hamas’s surrender, disarmament, and exile.
Regarding growing international pressure, especially from Europe, Netanyahu said Israel won’t bend to foreign demands. He criticized European leaders for threatening sanctions and dismissed concerns about humanitarian aid as “false propaganda.” He defended aid deliveries, saying Israel and the U.S. created a plan to bypass Hamas.
Netanyahu also faced backlash for inaccurately claiming no attack occurred at Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha on October 7, despite the murder of four residents. After outrage, his office issued a clarifying statement but stopped short of an apology.
Denying any rift with Trump, Netanyahu emphasized strong ties with the U.S. and support for expanding the Abraham Accords. He also slammed the idea of unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state, calling it a reward for terrorism.
The premier dismissed calls for a state inquiry into the October 7 failures, arguing that wartime is not the right moment for such probes or elections. Opposition figures, including Yair Golan and Yair Lapid, criticized Netanyahu’s leadership, with Golan threatening a defamation lawsuit.
