Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly rejected a Biden administration-backed plan to end the war in Gaza, stating that he utterly rejects Hamas’ terms for the release of hostages, which include withdrawing forces from Gaza and releasing convicted terrorists.
Netanyahu emphasized that there is no substitute for total victory and demilitarization of Gaza under Israeli security control.
He expressed appreciation for US support but insisted on Israel’s vital interests, including eliminating Hamas and ensuring Gaza never again poses a threat.
“Let it be clear: I utterly reject the Hamas monsters’ capitulation terms,” Netanyahu said.
“Hamas is demanding, in exchange for the release of our hostages, the end of the war, the withdrawal of our forces from Gaza, the release of the murders and rapists of the Nukhba and leaving Hamas in place.”
“Were we to agree to this – our soldiers would have fallen in vain. Were we to agree to this – we would not be able to ensure the security of our citizens. We would be unable to safely restore the evacuees to their homes and the next October 7 would be only a question of time. I am not prepared to accept such a mortal blow to the security of Israel; therefore, we will not agree to this,” he said.
“The conditions being proposed by Hamas underscore a simple point – there is no substitute for victory. Only total victory will ensure the elimination of Hamas and the return of all our hostages.”
“I told President Biden this in our conversation over the weekend. I greatly appreciate the US support for Israel and I also expressed this to the President. However, I will strongly insist on our vital interests. I emphasized to President Biden our determination to achieve all of the goals of the war, and to ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel.”
“Therefore, I insist that after we achieve total victory, after we eliminate Hamas, there will no entity in Gaza that finances terrorism, educates for terrorism or sends terrorists.”
“Gaza must be demilitarized, under Israel’s full security control.”
Netanyahu’s stance has prevented the establishment of a Palestinian state that he views as an existential danger to Israel.
Accepting the terms would likely lead to his government’s fall.
“I will not compromise on full Israeli security control of all territory west of the Jordan River,” Netanyahu stated.
“As Prime Minister of Israel, I have strongly upheld this position in the face of great international and domestic pressure.”
“My insistence is what has prevented – over the years – the establishment of a Palestinian state that would have constituted an existential danger to Israel. As long as I am Prime Minister, I will continue to strongly insist on this. If someone has a different position, they should show leadership and candidly state their position to the citizens of Israel.”
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