Netanyahu Demands Hamas’s “Complete Defeat,” Citing “Global Campaign of Lies”
Israeli PM Vows to “Finish the Job” in Gaza Amidst Growing Domestic and International Opposition
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that the nation “has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas,” defending an impending military offensive. Speaking to international media in Jerusalem, he asserted that Israel’s objective is to “free Gaza,” not occupy it.
Escalating Conflict and Calls for Intervention
Netanyahu is also confronting what he termed a “global campaign of lies” as criticism of the planned military escalation mounts. He indicated a “fairly short timetable” for the next steps, which he outlined as demilitarizing Gaza, ensuring Israel has “overriding security control,” and establishing a non-Israeli civilian administration.
Israeli PM Netanyahu: “We have no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.” He defended a planned military offensive in Gaza, stating, “Our goal is not to occupy Gaza, our goal is to free Gaza.” https://t.co/7bXJt0fK9V
— Reuters Israel (@ReutersIsrael) May 8, 2024
In a notable development, Netanyahu stated he had instructed the Israeli military to “bring in more foreign journalists,” a move that would significantly alter current access restrictions, which have largely limited media to military embeds within Gaza.
Domestic Discontent and Hostage Concerns
The prime minister again placed blame for Gaza’s crises, including civilian casualties and aid shortages, on Hamas. This comes as thousands protested in Tel Aviv on Saturday, opposing his plan to intensify the nearly two-year Gaza war and demanding an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. Protesters carried signs with images of hostages and directed anger at the government.
“This isn’t just a military decision. It could be a death sentence for the people we love most.”
—Lishay Miran Lavi, wife of hostage Omri Miran
Public opinion polls indicate a significant majority of Israelis support ending the war to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Israeli officials estimate around 20 hostages are still alive, out of approximately 50 believed to be held. Diplomatic efforts have previously led to the release of most freed hostages, but ceasefire talks collapsed in July.
Rami Dar, a retiree attending the Tel Aviv rally, expressed a sentiment shared by many: “They (the government) are fanatic. They are doing things against the interests of the country.” He, like others, appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene.
International Scrutiny and Warnings
The Israeli government has faced strong criticism from close European allies and domestically over its expanded military plans. The security cabinet had previously decided to seize Gaza City, intensifying operations despite warnings that such actions could jeopardize hostages.
As of May 8, 2024, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported that Israel’s military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 61,000 Palestinians since the conflict began. In contrast, Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack killed approximately 1,200 Israelis, with 251 taken hostage.
Some of Prime Minister Netanyahu‘s far-right coalition partners advocate for a complete takeover and annexation of Gaza. However, the military has cautioned that such strategies could endanger hostages. Netanyahu himself stated in a recent interview that Israel intends to control Gaza but not to annex it.
Tal, a 55-year-old teacher, voiced concerns at the Tel Aviv rally, calling the war’s expansion “terrible” and predicting further casualties among both soldiers and hostages. “We don’t have anything to do there. It’s not ours,” she stated, advocating for an Israeli withdrawal.
