At the start of the Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said, "We are in the midst of the war. We have set the clear goal of destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities. We are doing this systematically," according to the statement posted by Israel Prime Minister's Office on X
Netanyahu said that Israel Defence Forces has expanded its ground incursion in the Gaza Strip. He said, "The first blocking stage is over. The 2nd stage, pounding them from the air is continuing all the time. The 3rd stage - the IDF has expanded its ground incursion inside the Gaza Strip. It is doing so in measured, very powerful, steps making methodical, step-by-step progress"
He stated that Israel is working to have active deterrence on the northern front. He further said, "I reiterate to Nasrallah: You will be making the mistake of your lives if you decide to fully intervene in the campaign. You will receive a blow that you cannot even imagine"
Netanyahu said that Israel is continuing the efforts to free the hostages and stressed that this campaign will take time. He noted that there will be "losses, difficulties and surprises." However, Hamas in the end "will be crushed"
According to Israel's Prime Minister's Office statement on X, Netanyahu said, "We are continuing the efforts to free the hostages, both with the manoeuvre, which is even creating possibilities of securing release that we will not miss. This campaign will take time"
"There will be pitfalls. There will be difficulties. There will be losses. There will also be surprises, but in the end, I promise you one thing: Hamas will be crushed. Hamas will be defeated; there will be a different Gaza," he added
He stressed that Israel for this needs patience and time and ensuring diplomatic support. Netanyahu said that he is in daily contact with US President Joe Biden and his team is talking with their counterparts constantly"
He said, "We have made it clear that we are fighting not only our war, but their war as well; because if Hamas is not defeated, then the axis of evil will win. And if the axis of evil wins, the free world will lose." He added, "This effort is also a humanitarian effort. This is true in and of itself, and because it assists our forces. We are trying to move the population to the southern Gaza Strip"
Netanyahu said that Israel has made a safe zone and it is there Israel wants to direct the humanitarian assistance. He said that Israel is doing this in coordination with the US and stressed that the process will take time
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