By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-01-18 19:10:59 | Updated at 2025-01-19 00:28:50
5 hours ago
Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at a return to fighting in Gaza and stressed the IDF could use "forceful" measures to ensure Israel completes its "war goals".
Netanyahu, who vowed to crush Hamas after the terror group's horrific October 7 attack, addressed Israelis for the first time since a ceasefire agreement was brokered on Thursday.
The Israeli Prime Minister stressed that Israel retains the right to resume its war in Gaza should the second stage of ceasefire negotiations prove pointless.
He said: "If we must return to fighting we will do that in new, forceful ways.
Netanyahu hints at return to conflict after 'temporary ceasefire' as Israel 'retains' right to resume Gaza fighting
GPO
"We retain our right to resume the war, if necessary, with the backing of the US and all senior officials of the US administration have testified that it is Hamas that provided obstacles to negotiations, it was Hamas that created these obstacles, not Israel."
Despite the deal suggesting otherwise, Netanyahu is also planning to bolster IDF troops along the so-called Philadelphi Route.
He also championed IDF efforts to "change the face of the Middle East", highlighting how Israeli troops inflicted defeats on "enemies" across the region, including Iran and Hezbollah.
Netanyahu's announcement comes just minutes after the Israeli Prime Minister's Office released a statement highlighting his concern about Hamas failing to list the first set of hostages to be freed from Hamas.
Under the agreement, which would see fighting end at 6.30am local time (4.30am GMT), Hamas is obliged to provide the names of the remaining hostages at least 24 hours ahead of their release
A total of 33 hostages are expected to be released over the next six weeks, with Israel also releasing hundreds of imprisoned Palestinians.
Hamas was expected to name the first set of hostages at 4pm local time (2pm GMT).
In his statement, Netanyahu said: "We will not move forward with the outline until we receive a list of the hostages to be freed, as agreed."
He added: “Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. The sole responsibility lies with Hamas.”
IDF soldiers who were captured will likely be released in the second phase of negotiations.
Hamas is expected to request a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from the Strip.
