JERUSALEM – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a press conference Wednesday evening at his office in Jerusalem, addressing Israeli and international reporters on the ongoing war in Gaza, the fate of the hostages, and Israel’s broader strategic goals.
Top Objectives: Defeat Hamas, Free Hostages, Prevent Future Threats
Opening the briefing, Netanyahu outlined three main goals of the war: the defeat of Hamas, the return of the hostages, and ensuring Gaza can never again pose a threat to Israel. He emphasized that the order of these goals reflects their strategic importance to the government.
Hostages: At Least 20 Still Alive
Regarding the hostages, Netanyahu confirmed that at least 20 are still believed to be alive, with the status of up to 38 others still under review. This comes amid growing demands from hostage families for transparency. He added that Israel has made significant operational progress and said, “We have likely eliminated Muhammad Sinwar,” one of Hamas’ top military commanders.
Temporary Ceasefire—But Fighting Will Continue
Netanyahu said Israel is open to a temporary pause in fighting under certain conditions, but firmly rejected any talk of a permanent ceasefire at this stage: “The emphasis is on temporary—fighting will continue until all objectives are met.”
Complete Security Control Over Gaza
One of Netanyahu’s most definitive statements came as he outlined Israel’s post-war vision for Gaza: “At the end of the operation, all territory in Gaza will be under Israeli security control.”
He made it clear that Hamas would not be allowed to return and that the goal is to establish a new security reality.
Three-Part Civilian Assistance Plan
Netanyahu introduced a parallel humanitarian framework designed to support civilians while limiting Hamas’ access to aid: entry of basic food supplies to avoid humanitarian collapse, establishment of IDF-secured distribution centers, and the creation of a sterile humanitarian zone in southern Gaza to separate civilians from militants.
Coordination with the U.S. and Iran Warning
The Prime Minister emphasized that Israel is coordinating fully with the United States, especially regarding Iran, and expressed hope for an agreement that would prevent nuclear enrichment. However, he warned: “Israel reserves the right to defend itself against a regime that seeks its destruction.”
