Israel will complete Hamas’ defeat, Netanyahu vows, amid reports of planned Gaza takeover

Israel’s prime minister hints at plans to move forward with complete takeover of the Gaza Strip, says he will never give up on any of his goals for the Gaza war.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “complete the defeat” of Hamas and other terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip, declaring that Israel will not compromise on any of its war goals.

Netanyahu met with new recruits to the IDF Tuesday morning, during a visit to the army induction center at Tel HaShomer in central Israel, and met with senior army officers including IDF Head of Planning and Personnel Management Brig.-Gen. Shai Taib, Chief Armored Corps Officer Brig.-Gen. Ohad Maor, Chief Engineering Officer Brig.-Gen. Yoav Turchansky and IDF Meitav Unit Head Col. Yifat Asher.

During his visit, Netanyahu said that the Israeli military will continue operations in the Gaza Strip to ensure the “complete” defeat of Gaza terror groups.

“It is still necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, release our hostages and ensure that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel. We are not giving up on any of these missions.”

“We will do this together through the great sacrifice of our fighting men and women.”

The comments come following a breakdown in hostage deal talks in Doha, Qatar between Israel and Hamas.

On Monday, sources inside the Prime Minister’s Office told Israeli media outlets that Netanyahu has decided to complete the takeover of the Gaza Strip.

Currently the IDF controls close to 70% of the coastal enclave.

Netanyahu is expected to convene the cabinet later this week, marking the first meeting in three weeks.

The planned meeting, along with comments by Defense Minister Israel Katz (Likud) have fueled speculation the government may be poised to move forward with a major shift in Israel’s approach to the Gaza Strip, including the possible annexation of parts of the coastal enclave.

On Tuesday, Defense Minister Katz hinted at plans to conquer the entire Gaza Strip, alluding to reported pushback on the plan from IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

“The defeat of Hamas in Gaza, along with the creation of conditions for the return of the hostages, are the central objectives of the war in Gaza, and we must take all necessary actions to achieve them,” Katz said during a visit to the Gaza Strip.

“Once the political leadership makes the necessary decisions, the military echelon, as it has done in all theaters of the war so far, will professionally implement the policy that is set. My duty as Defense Minister, entrusted with the IDF, is to ensure this happens — and so I shall.”