Netanyahu: Victory in Gaza requires defeating Hamas, releasing our hostages

Victory in Gaza means both defeating Hamas and freeing the hostages, says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to reservist soldiers at the Tzeelim training base in the south.

“We are determined to achieve two goals,” says Netanyahu. “One — to defeat Hamas, to defeat Hamas, to eliminate Hamas. The second thing, of course, at the same time — to release our hostages.”

Netanyahu said last week that the ultimate goal of the war is the defeat of Hamas, which angered hostage families.

“To Hamas, I say one thing: — the rules are going to change very soon,” Netanyahu says.

The security cabinet approved a new plan which would see the Israel Defense Forces take control of the Gaza Strip and remain in captured territory.

“We have more challenges, but we have a strong spirit, and this spirit is achieved by our army, which is composed of both regulars and reservists,” says Netanyahu.

His government has come under fire as tens of thousands of reservists are being called up once again, while it promotes a conscription bill that would allow the vast majority of ultra-Orthodox men to avoid military service.

“The reservists do a fantastic job,” says Netanyahu. “It places a great burden on them, on their families, on their wives and children, and sometimes their spouses. And we are determined to help them, because they deserve everything. We have given a lot, but more needs to be given – and we will do it.”