Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel has no choice but to “complete the job” and defeat Hamas, given the Palestinian group’s refusal to lay down its arms.
Netnayahu also told a news conference that his new Gaza offensive plans aim to tackle two remaining Hamas strongholds.
Livestream:
Israeli Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has demanded that Prime Minister Netanyahu scrap a recent plan to seize Gaza City, insisting on tougher action to defeat the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Netanyahu’s security cabinet, of which Smotrich is a member, approved plans on Friday to expand military operations in the Palestinian enclave, drawing criticism at home and abroad.
In a video posted on X late on Saturday (August 9), Smotrich said he has lost his faith in Netanyahu’s ability and desire to lead to a victory over Hamas. The new plan, he said, was intended to get Hamas back to ceasefire negotiations.
The Israeli military has warned that expanding the offensive could endanger the lives of hostages Hamas is still holding in Gaza and draw its troops into protracted and deadly guerrilla warfare.
The new offensive plan has also drawn alarm abroad about further harm to the civilian population in Gaza. Israel has already come under mounting pressure over the humanitarian crisis in the enclave, prompting it to announce a series of new measures to ease aid distribution. -Additional reporting by Reuters
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