From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Netanyahu says Israel ‘ready for every scenario,’ defends decision not to end the war
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns that “challenging days are ahead.”
“Since the strike in Beirut, threats are being sounded from everywhere,” he says.
“We are ready for every scenario,” he promises, “and will stand united and determined against every threat.”
Netanyahu reiterates that the war will take time and demands stamina from Israel’s citizens. He says that for some time, he has been under pressure domestically and abroad to end the war.
“I did not give in to those voices then, and I don’t give in to them now,” he stresses.
Had he listened to them, the premier argues, Israel would not have taken out Hamas leaders and fighters, destroyed infrastructure, taken the Gaza-Egypt border area, or “created the conditions that bring us closer to terms that will not only bring our hostages back, but also allow us to achieve all of our war aims.”
“All of the achievements in recent months were attained because we did not give in,” Netanyahu says, “and because we made brave decisions in the face of great pressure at home and abroad. And I tell you it was not easy.”
“Together we will fight, and with God’s help, together we will win,” he concludes.
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