Netanyahu: Israel's goal is “complete victory,” which will take “months”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, on December 31. Abeer Sultan/Reuters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel's goal is “total victory” and that his country “will do nothing less than that.”
“I told Anthony Blinken that we are on the verge of complete victory,” Netanyahu told reporters at a press conference in Jerusalem. “We are on the path to complete victory. Victory is achievable, and it is not a matter of years or decades, but rather a matter of months.”
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said on Wednesday that he spoke with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv in a closed meeting that lasted a little more than an hour.
“I told Blinken today that after we destroy Hamas, we will ensure that Gaza is secure forever. History has shown that only one power can achieve this: Israel, the Israeli army and our security forces,” Netanyahu said, reiterating his position that Israel must do so. Retain full control of Gaza's security after the war. He added, “Israel will act in Gaza whenever necessary so that terrorism does not return.”
The head of the Palestinian self-rule government, Mahmoud Abbas, stressed on Wednesday the necessity of reaching a two-state solution. His Excellency reiterated that Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian state, and the plans of the occupying authorities to separate it or cut off any inch of its territory cannot be accepted or resisted, and it falls under the responsibility of the occupying state. The State of Palestine and under its administration.”
Netanyahu: Israel has not adhered to any of Hamas' crazy demands
At the press conference on Wednesday, Netanyahu said that Israel had not adhered to Hamas' demands, following reports that the movement had presented its response to the proposed ceasefire and hostage agreement.
“We did not commit to anything. We did not commit to any of the crazy demands of Hamas, and the number of terrorists who have blood on their hands.” [de liberar]“Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu added: “There is no compromise. There must be negotiations. It is a process, and at the present time, according to what I see from Hamas, this is not happening.”
Hamas has submitted its response to a proposed ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza, calling for a gradual Israeli exit from the Strip during a four-and-a-half-month truce and a plan to end the conflict permanently, CNN reported Wednesday. A copy of the group's counteroffer was obtained by CNN.
The Palestinian militant group that rules Gaza has proposed a three-stage deal, each lasting 45 days, that would also see the gradual release of hostages held in the Strip in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel – including those serving life sentences – as well. As the beginning of massive humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.
Contrary to its previous demands, Hamas did not demand an immediate end to the war. According to the document, negotiations for a permanent ceasefire will take place during the truce, and the remaining hostages will not be released until a final agreement is reached to end the war.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said on Tuesday that the United States is reviewing Hamas' response and will discuss it with Israeli government officials. On Wednesday, he spoke with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv in a closed meeting that lasted just over an hour. He is expected to meet with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy as well as other key officials.
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