Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu held a press briefing from his office in Yerushalayim—the first time in six months that he has done so.
He opened by asserting that Israel is operating according to a comprehensive wartime strategy, and emphasized that there are still at least 20 hostages known to be alive.
He made clear that while Israel is open to halting combat temporarily if it would enable the safe return of the hostages, it will not scale back military pressure. “If there is a chance for a temporary ceasefire to bring back hostages, we are ready for it.”
Nonetheless, he affirmed that the campaign against Hamas will continue without letup. “Operation Gideon’s Chariots began three days ago. Ask the residents of Sderot and the Gaza envelope—their houses are shaking from the force of the IDF’s fire.”
Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military is steadily taking control of more areas throughout Gaza. “Our forces are seizing more and more territories in Gaza. At the end, all of the territories in the Gaza Strip will be under Israeli security control.”
On the subject of humanitarian relief, the Prime Minister said that Israel is making efforts to avoid a large-scale crisis. “We need to prevent a humanitarian crisis. I hear from the close friends of our country: ‘We will give the support, including in the Security Council, but there’s one thing that we won’t accept: we will not accept a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.’”
Turning to Iran, Netanyahu remarked that Israel is working closely with the United States regarding efforts to reach an agreement that will block Iran from further enriching uranium. “We are in full coordination with the US and hope that there will be a deal that will prevent Iran from enriching uranium. Israel maintains the right to defend itself against the regime that seeks its destruction.”
He acknowledged that a portion of the aid entering Gaza does fall into Hamas hands. “10% of the aid trucks that go in are seized by Hamas.”
When questioned about the danger military operations may pose to the hostages, Netanyahu responded that their safety is a top priority and that efforts to secure their release are constant and multifaceted. “We are working not to harm the hostages, and we are investing a lot of effort to get the hostages out. The military and diplomatic pressure and trickery will bring results.”
A reporter asked whether he had prior knowledge that members of his team had been communicating with Qatari officials. Netanyahu firmly denied this. “I didn’t know, and there is a big lie here; they say that I got a huge fortune from Qatar. Whoever says that will be sued. I’ve attacked Qatar, and others from the Shin Bet praised Qatar. Yonatan Urich encouraged me to attack Qatar. I don’t want to list all the people who get money from Qatar. I didn’t get a cent. I know that you don’t stop echoing this propaganda.”
Addressing the allegation that his government’s approval of Qatari financial transfers to Hamas may have played a role in enabling the October 7 massacre, he pushed back, saying the recommendation came from Israeli security agencies and that the funds were earmarked for civilian infrastructure. “The money that was transferred to Hamas was done so by the recommendation of the Shin Bet and Mossad. The money was used for sewage and electricity. The Qatari money is not what led to October 7th. The terrorists attacked us with flip-flops, Kalashnikovs, and pickup trucks—that costs pennies.”
{Matzav.com Israeli}