Netanyahu vows to ‘end Hamas’

On a visit to Ashkelon, the prime minister promised to destroy the terrorist group and release the remaining hostages.

By David Brummer, World Israel News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Wednesday to destroy Hamas “down to its very foundations” and emphasized Israel’s strategic vision for expanding its energy sector as ceasefire talks with the terrorist group reportedly remain ongoing.

Speaking during a visit to the southern city of Ashkelon, where he toured the Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline Company (EAPC), Netanyahu declared, “There will be no more Hamas. It’s over. We will free all of our hostages, and we will eliminate Hamas down to its very foundations.”

His remarks marked his first public comments since U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a new proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.

Anticipating skepticism over whether Israel could both defeat Hamas and secure the release of the remaining hostages, Netanyahu dismissed the perceived contradiction, according to JNS. “Some say these are opposing goals – what nonsense. It works together. We will complete it together,” he said, receiving applause from those in attendance.

The prime minister’s visit focused largely on Israel’s long-term energy strategy.

Touring EAPC’s infrastructure, which transports oil from Eilat to Ashkelon, Netanyahu received briefings from company CEO Amit Shaked and met with senior officials in the Israeli energy sector.

He was joined by Energy Minister Eli Cohen, Regional Cooperation Minister David Amsalem, and Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam.

Netanyahu projected that Israel’s natural gas revenues over the next decade could reach 300 billion shekels (approximately $89 billion).

“We are going to increase and strengthen Israel’s energy capability. We have a very considerable capability,” he said, noting additional installations are already underway.

He emphasized Israel’s ambition to become a central energy hub linking Asia, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula with Western markets.

“Our opportunities are enormous. We are not going to miss them or lose them. This is a huge opportunity – to defeat our enemies and ensure our economic, national, international, and energy future,” Netanyahu stated.

The prime minister also expressed gratitude to Israel’s energy workers for their efforts during the recent “Operation Rising Lion,” which included making critical repairs following enemy attacks.

Later in the day, Netanyahu visited the Home Front Command’s headquarters, where he praised soldiers and rescue teams who saved civilians trapped under buildings hit by Iranian missile strikes.

“You have done an amazing job. There is nothing like it in the world,” he told troops, commending their rapid response alongside emergency organizations and local authorities.

Meanwhile, Hamas said Wednesday it was reviewing new ceasefire proposals put forward by international mediators.

The proposals reportedly aim to end hostilities in Gaza and secure an Israeli withdrawal from the territory.

Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Netanyahu’s comments indicated no shift in his government’s objective to completely dismantle Hamas’s military and governing capabilities in Gaza.

“There will not be a Hamastan. We’re not going back to that,” he said. “We won’t miss this opportunity.”