Netanyahu heads to Washington, vows to eliminate Hamas threat

PM says Israel remains committed to returning all hostages and stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while eyeing regional peace expansion.

By David Brummer, World Israel News

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for Washington on Sunday, emphasizing that Israel will not stop its military campaign in Gaza until Hamas’s military and governmental infrastructure is dismantled.

Speaking before boarding the Wing of Zion, Netanyahu reaffirmed that the return of the remaining Israeli hostages remains a national priority, alongside ensuring that Gaza can no longer endanger Israeli civilians, according to The Jerusalem Post.

“To date, we have freed 205 out of 255 hostages, including 148 who are alive,” he said.

“There are 20 hostages still living and 30 who are deceased. We are determined to bring every one of them home.”

Netanyahu stressed that Israel is committed to preventing a repeat of October 7, when Hamas terrorists crossed the border and carried out brutal attacks.

“We will not allow a return to kidnappings, killings, or beheadings. That means Hamas must be eliminated, militarily and politically, from Gaza.”

The prime minister outlined three core objectives: recovering all hostages, eliminating Hamas’s presence in Gaza, and ensuring the Strip never again poses a threat to Israel’s security.

He also linked the ongoing campaign in Gaza with the broader regional struggle against Iran.

“Iran has made Israel’s destruction its goal. For years, people asked, ‘Can we stop Iran?’ The answer is yes. Our pilots have flown over Tehran, and the IDF, Mossad, and all our forces have performed heroically.”

The visit to Washington will include meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, Netanyahu’s third since Trump returned to the White House in January, as well as key members of Congress and senior administration officials.

“I’ll thank President Trump for his unwavering support. We have never had a friend like him in the White House,” Netanyahu said.

He added that negotiations to secure a new hostage deal are continuing, with Israeli teams working under clear directives.

Beyond defense, Netanyahu spoke of a diplomatic opportunity to reshape the Middle East.

“We have already transformed the region through new peace agreements. Now we have a chance to go further — to expand the circle of peace in a way that once seemed impossible.”

Joining Netanyahu on the flight was U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

Asked about the trip, Huckabee said he was looking forward to the meetings and, although remaining somewhat coy, expressed optimism about strengthening U.S.-Israel ties, according to The Jerusalem Post.