Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told forces this week that his country “will destroy Hamas” no matter what “international pressures” come from other countries.
Speaking with soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Netanyahu made his remarks one day after the UN General Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution calling for an end to hostilities in Gaza and following US President Joe Biden’s criticism of Israel for what he described as “indiscriminate bombing” in the absence of proof.
The prime minister’s office released a statement that read,
Prime Minister Netanyahu talked on the radio with Col. Dvir Edri, who is in charge of the 460th Brigade and presently fighting in the middle of the Gaza Strip. He instructed him:
“Go on, but look out for yourselves.” I’m sure you’ll follow through on this.
“I want you to tell the last soldier that we will keep fighting until we win and finally destroy Hamas.” There should be no question about this. This is very important. I want every person there to hear this word. Have confidence and be strong. Thanks a lot.”
The leader of the 460th Brigade informed the Prime Minister:
“Sir, we want to go on. Give us the power. We’re strong here. We are going to do what we need to do and destroy Hamas. We are strong enough to do this. The troops and leaders we have are great, and we will keep going until we kill all the terrorists.
The leaders heard what Prime Minister Netanyahu had to say:
“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of all Israelis for your sacrifices, bravery, and hard work in the fighting.” There is, however, a lot of pain that we see. We had a hard day yesterday, and every day one of our dear sons falls. We all feel very sorry for the families and loved ones of those who died. They were real heroes for Israel. Their lives have changed, and we know that.
However, I want to make it very clear what I just told the leader in the field: we will keep going until the end. There is no doubt about it at all. In light of all the great pain and the threats from around the world, I also say this. We will not be stopped. We are going all the way to the end, until success. Thank you. “This is possible because of you, through you, and because of God’s and your help.”
“This war will go on, but it needs to go on with the level of sophistication which you bring.” This level of complexity gives us a lot of power and saves countless lives. Thanks a lot.”
As reported by the Times of Israel, the nation of Israel’s foreign minister Eli Cohen said something similar. He said that Israel would keep working to destroy Hamas’s armed forces and government power in Gaza, “with or without international backing.”
