Netanyahu says there are two pockets of Hamas forces behind Israeli lines in Gaza, vows to eliminate them

Speaking at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that there are two remaining Hamas pockets in Israeli-controlled territory in Gaza, one in Rafah and one in Khan Younis.

“They will be eliminated,” he promises.

Netanyahu says Hamas’s “attempts to deceive us, the US, and the world” are pathetic.

“They will not succeed, and we will gradually bring back all our hostages,” he continues. “This is our commitment.”

He stresses that protecting IDF forces in Gaza is a top priority.

“My directive is unequivocal,” says Netanyahu. “If there is any attempt to harm our soldiers, we strike those who attack and their networks — in defense of our troops.”

“We report to our American friends, but we do not seek their permission,” he insists, after growing criticism that crucial decisions on the future of Gaza are being made by the White House. “I hear statements that are simply untrue. We retain full security responsibility and will not relinquish it.”

Netanyahu promises that Hamas will be disarmed, and that Gaza will be demilitarized. “It is an understanding I share with President Trump, and we are acting according to a clear framework. If it cannot be achieved one way, it will be achieved another way — and everyone knows what that other way is, and who will carry it out.”

Turning to Lebanon, Netanyahu says that Hezbollah is looking to rearm.

“We expect the Lebanese government to uphold its commitments, namely to disarm Hezbollah,” Netanyahu says. “But it is clear that we will exercise our right to self-defense as stipulated in the ceasefire terms. We will not allow Lebanon to become a renewed front against us, and we will act as necessary.”

Netanyahu also pledges that Israel “will do whatever is necessary to eliminate” the Houthi threat from Yemen.

The meeting is attended by billionaire philanthropist Sylvan Adams, who pledged $100 million to renovate and expand Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, which was damaged by an Iranian missile.