During today’s (Monday) “40 Signatures” debate in the Knesset plenum (According to Basic Law: The Government, the Knesset is entitled to hold a debate once a month with the participation of the Prime Minister, at the request of at least 40 Members of Knesset, on a topic determined in advance), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on a range of topics, touching on Israel’s ongoing war against the terrorist organization Hamas, the efforts to secure the return of the hostages still held in Gaza, and advancing regional peace.
“We Will Not Stop Until We Achieve Total Victory”
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is preparing for the next stages of the hostage deal and stated, “We will not stop until we achieve all the goals of victory – the return of all our hostages, the destruction of Hamas, and ensuring that Gaza is no longer a threat to Israel.” He noted that under the current deal, 25 Israeli hostages were returned alive—significantly more than the 12 Hamas had initially offered in negotiations last July.
The prime minister revealed that while Israel is not currently resuming full-scale combat the possibility of renewed fighting was not ruled out. “I say to Hamas – if you do not release our hostages, there will be consequences beyond your imagination,” Netanyahu warned. He added, “Now, with Trump’s support, we are preparing for the next stages of the campaign. Of course, not everything can be transparent. You have already seen that important processes are developed in secret, and at the right moment, what needs to happen breaks out into the open.”
Trump’s Plan for a Gaza Civilian Evacuation
During his speech, Netanyahu also addressed U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for the evacuation of Gaza’s population: “Over the past year and a half, tens of thousands have left Gaza. They bribed their way out. The wealthy managed to escape, while the poor were left behind, subject to Hamas’ control. It is time to give Gaza’s residents a real choice, to grant them the freedom to leave.”
The Pager Operation Against Hezbollah: “Executed to Perfection”
Netanyahu referenced the Mossad’s pager operation against Hezbollah terrorists: “The operation was leaked in an attempt to sabotage it. Yet even that leak was never investigated. This week, the Mossad chief revealed the truth – the timing of the operation was perfect, and the Mossad executed the operation flawlessly.”
Protest by Bereaved Families and Hostage Relatives
During Netanyahu’s speech, some bereaved families and relatives of hostages turned their backs on the prime minister in protest. In response, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein requested the evacuation of the visitors’ gallery. However, Netanyahu intervened, addressing National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and asking that the families be allowed to stay: “Let them stay, it does not disturb me.” Following Netanyahu’s request, the families were permitted to remain in the hall.
(Contributor: Shimon Levi)
