Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the ministers for a cabinet meeting on Monday, where he spoke about the war and the expansion of ground operations in Gaza.
"We are in the midst of the war, we have set a clear goal to destroy Hamas' military and governmental capabilities. We are doing these things systematically, the prime minister said at the beginning of his remarks. "First of all, the braking phase is over. The second stage - crushing from the air that continues constantly. The third stage - the IDF has expanded its ground incursion into the Gaza Strip, it is doing so with measured, very powerful steps, while systematically advancing step by step.
Netanyahu at the start of the Cabinet meeting: "The maneuver creates possibilities for the release of the hostages" // Photo: GPO
I must say that we have full confidence, both in the system and in the leadership under the chief of staff, and we are doing so for the entire nation and the entire leadership of the people. There will also be follow-up measures, it is impossible to detail them here, but we are talking about them within the War Cabinet. At the same time, we are actively working to deter the northern front, and I reiterate to Hezbollah: You will make the mistake of your life if you decide to fully intervene in the campaign, you will suffer a blow that you cannot even imagine."
The streets of Gaza after Israeli air strikes, photo: AP
"At the same time, we are continuing our efforts to release the hostages, even during the maneuver, and the maneuver even creates possibilities to achieve release and we will not miss them. This campaign will take time, there will be potholes, there will be difficulties, there will be losses, there will also be surprises, but at the end of the campaign I promise you one thing: Hamas will be hit on the thigh. Hamas will be defeated, there will be another Gaza. For this we need patience, we need time. To create the time, we need to secure political support. I am in daily contact with the President of the United States, our team talks to their counterparts all the time. We make it clear that we are fighting not only our war, but also theirs; 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. The Western world and the entire Arab world will lose, and there will be a great threat to humanity. Our battle is a battle for our existence, but it is also a battle for their future. Well, this is a diplomatic effort, I explained, and anyone who can contribute should do so.
IDF forces near the Gaza Strip, photo: AP
"The second effort is a humanitarian effort. Both because it is fundamentally true, and partly because it is true in terms of assisting our forces. We're trying to move the population to the southern Gaza Strip, we've made a "safe zone" there, where we want to channel humanitarian aid. We are doing this and coordinating it with our American friends. It's a process that also takes time. The third effort is the economic effort, I know that you ministers are doing a very big job. We will have to do much more, it will cost a lot of money and this is a secondary consideration in our eyes. We will do what is necessary, we will do more, and it is also important that you present the things you are doing to the public in an orderly manner."
Herzi Halevi. Full confidence in the Chief of Staff, photo: IDF Spokesperson
"Fighting spirit"
Netanyahu said in conclusion: "Above all, what is needed is a joining of forces. We have established a national emergency government for war, the people are united at the moment as they have never been. There is a fighting spirit among the fighters, I criticize them. Yesterday I was in the navy, this morning I was with the Gideons, before that I was with all the forces. It is simple to see them simply imbued with fire because they understand that we are fighting for our existence, and it is this unity that will decide.
"I ask you, anyone, if you have any questions, suggestions, ideas, my door is open, come to me. We also have a team working on this, I'd love to hear from you. But the main thing is that together we will win."
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