Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the war in Gaza will not end until Hamas is completely eliminated, though he signaled openness to a short-term ceasefire if it leads to the release of hostages.
Speaking during a meeting with wounded Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reserve soldiers on Monday night (May 12), Netanyahu stated, “We will soon enter Gaza with full force. Our dual mission—destroying Hamas and securing the release of our hostages—will be carried out simultaneously. We are progressing in that direction.”
A video of the meeting, released by the Prime Minister’s Office and reported by the Times of Israel, also confirmed that an Israeli delegation has been sent to Doha in an effort to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage release deal before the end of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East tour.
Netanyahu emphasized that while there may be temporary pauses in fighting, Israel’s military campaign will not stop. “If Hamas says, ‘We will release 10 more hostages,’ we’ll take them. But make no mistake—the war will continue. There’s no question of ending it now,” he said.
He also commented on the future of Gaza, stating that a framework is being created to allow civilians to leave the region. “More than 50 percent of Gazans would leave if given the chance—and I believe the number could be even higher,” Netanyahu claimed. “But Hamas will no longer be in Gaza.”
The meeting included members of the ‘Forum of Victorious Soldiers,’ who voiced strong support for Netanyahu’s leadership and urged him to remain firm in pursuing military objectives.
“You are an inspiration,” Netanyahu told the wounded soldiers. “With your courage and sacrifice, we are marching toward total victory.”
