Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced during his first press conference in five months that Israel will only consider ending the conflict in Gaza if US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate Gaza’s civilians is implemented. Netanyahu described the plan as revolutionary and expressed belief that it could transform the Middle East.
The ongoing ground operation in Gaza, named Operation Gideon’s Chariots, aims to complete Israel’s military objectives in the region. Netanyahu said the goal is to defeat Hamas, recover all Israeli hostages, and ensure Gaza no longer threatens Israel’s security. He emphasized that the Israeli forces are intensifying their attacks on Hamas strongholds and that by the end of the operation, Gaza will be under Israeli control.
Netanyahu insisted that any end to the war must meet clear conditions, including the release of hostages, Hamas disarming and stepping down from power, exile of its leadership, and full execution of Trump’s relocation plan. He acknowledged the possibility of a temporary ceasefire if it could secure the return of more hostages but stressed that such a pause would only be short term.
The prime minister criticized Qatar, stating it is not a friendly country and accusing it of supporting Hamas. He mentioned advancing a Knesset bill that would label Qatar as a terror-supporting state while maintaining necessary communication with Doha for hostage negotiations. Netanyahu denied that funds controversially transferred by Qatar to Hamas contributed to the October 7, 2023, terror attack.
Netanyahu minimized the military strength of Hamas during the October 7 attacks and highlighted Israeli measures like an underground barrier that prevented infiltration. However, reports have shown that Hamas fighters were well-trained and heavily armed.
He wrongly claimed that Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha was not attacked during the October 7 events. Residents of the kibbutz refuted this, confirming four members were killed and calling Netanyahu’s statement inaccurate and harmful to their community’s memory.
The government has not yet formed an inquiry commission into the October 7 failures and opposes a state commission, arguing that it is not the right time during an ongoing war. Netanyahu said he is accountable to the public and that no-confidence votes and future elections will determine political responsibility.
Netanyahu assured that relations with the US remain strong despite rumors of a rift with Trump. He said both he and US Vice President JD Vance reaffirmed America’s commitment to Israel. Netanyahu supports Trump’s efforts to deepen ties with Gulf states, believing this could lead to expanded Abraham Accords agreements.
When asked about pressure from Europe to halt the Gaza offensive and lift aid restrictions, Netanyahu said European criticism will not change Israel’s security policies. He explained the resumption of aid deliveries to Gaza aims to prevent a humanitarian disaster and is part of a plan developed with the US to bypass Hamas.
Netanyahu dismissed threats of sanctions from European countries, saying Israel will do whatever is necessary to complete its war goals. He criticized Britain for sanctioning Israeli settlers instead of Hamas and rejected claims of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza as false propaganda.
