Netanyahu pushing to free hostages via ‘total defeat’ of Hamas

Netanyahu is reportedly ordering the IDF to expand operations in Gaza, aiming to finally defeat Hamas and force the terror group to release the remaining hostages.

By World Israel News Staff

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is instructing the Israeli army to expand its ongoing operations in the Gaza Strip in an effort to deliver a decisive blow to Hamas and pressure the terror group into releasing the remaining hostages, according to recent reports.

A senior Israeli source, reportedly close to Netanyahu, told multiple Hebrew-language media outlets on Sunday evening that amid stalled ceasefire negotiations and increasing international pressure on Israel to boost the flow of humanitarian aid, the prime minister no longer believes Hamas is interested in reaching a deal.

Netanyahu has accepted this development and is now “pushing for the release of hostages through decisive military victory, combined with the entry of humanitarian aid to areas outside the combat zone and, as much as possible, outside of Hamas control,” the source said.

“Israel is in contact with the Americans,” the insider added, noting that the Trump administration — which has supported an all-or-nothing agreement to secure the release of all remaining hostages, both living and dead — is aware of Netanyahu’s intention to escalate the military offensive against Hamas.

The report comes on the heels of a televised speech by Netanyahu slamming Hamas for starving the Israeli hostages still held in the Strip.

On Saturday, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff told the family members of hostages and their supporters that a ceasefire deal, which would secure the release of their loved ones, was close to being reached.

“A majority of Israelis wants the hostages at home, and a majority of Gaza’s public wants the return of hostages because they want the rehabilitation of the Strip,” he told families gathered at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square.

“There is no victory without bringing everyone home; all of you have become part of my family,” he added. “The plan is not to expand the war, but to end it.”