Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the intense phase of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza is nearing its conclusion. He indicated that the military's attention may soon shift to the northern border with Lebanon, where tensions with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah have escalated in recent weeks.
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's operations in Gaza would persist until the militant organization Hamas is eradicated. He clarified that while the current phase of the conflict may end in Rafah, the overall battle against Hamas will continue.
During his first one-on-one interview with local Israeli media since October 7, Netanyahu expressed willingness to negotiate a partial agreement with Hamas to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. However, he reiterated his unwavering stance that the conflict would persist beyond any ceasefire until the objective of eliminating Hamas is achieved.
Netanyahu firmly stated, 'I'm not prepared to compromise on that goal.' His remarks underscored Israel's commitment to its long-term strategy in dealing with Hamas and ensuring the security of its citizens.