Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a recorded statement this evening (Saturday), without taking questions from the press, in which he addressed the stalled hostage deal negotiations and the Iranian nuclear issue, against the backdrop of talks between the United States and Iran and reports of an airstrike that was halted by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“I have instructed the IDF to respond forcefully and increase pressure on Hamas,” Netanyahu began, speaking about the prospects of a deal. “As a people who cherish life, we have no choice but to continue fighting until victory. As your Prime Minister, I will not surrender to murderers. Such a surrender would endanger the security of the state. We are at a decisive stage, and it demands patience and determination.”
“If We Give In Now – All Our Gains Will Be Lost”
Netanyahu argued that signing a deal with Hamas at this time would undermine the achievements of the war:
“If we give in now, all our gains will be lost. Had we listened to the calls to end the war, we wouldn’t have eliminated Nasrallah, Sinwar, Deif, and Haniyeh. Syria would not have fallen, and we would be facing an existential threat.”
“Hamas Has Again Rejected the Hostage Release Proposal”
Speaking about the hostage issue, the Prime Minister said:
“This weekend, Hamas once again rejected a proposal for the release of hostages. They are demanding an end to the war, a full withdrawal, reconstruction of Gaza, and vast financial aid. Ending the war under these surrender terms would send a message to all of Israel’s enemies: that by kidnapping Israelis, they can bring the State of Israel to its knees.”
“Calls to Stop the Fighting Echo Hamas Propaganda”
Netanyahu addressed domestic voices urging a deal on Hamas’s terms:
“Those calling for an end to the war are echoing Hamas propaganda. They are not bringing the hostages closer to release—they are pushing it further away.”
He continued:
“Some suggest deceiving Hamas and resuming the fighting later. They say this openly in television studios. Hamas is a gang of murderous thugs, but they are not stupid. They are demanding international guarantees that would prevent us from resuming combat. No one—certainly not the United States—would agree to such a deception.”
“Destroying Hamas Is Essential to Prevent Another Attack”
The Prime Minister warned of the consequences of allowing Hamas to remain in power in Gaza:
“If we do not complete the destruction of Hamas, the next October 7 is only a matter of time.”
“I Am Committed to Preventing Iran from Obtaining Nuclear Weapons”
Netanyahu also addressed Iran’s nuclear ambitions:
“I am committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. I have not budged—not even a millimeter. I will not let go of this issue.
