Israeli defense officials clarified that the term “military victory” refers to planned ground operations in parts of Gaza where the IDF has not yet deployed, primarily due to concerns for the safety of the hostages. Hamas has repeatedly threatened to kill hostages if IDF forces approach their locations, meaning such operations would carry considerable risk.
The official said Israel does not expect Hamas to accept a comprehensive deal and is therefore preparing to escalate its military campaign. The assertion that Hamas “is not interested in a deal” signals that Israel remains unwilling to compromise on its core conditions, which Hamas has rejected.
Israel has also refused Hamas’ demand for the release of 200 convicted Palestinian murderers in exchange for 10 hostages, reportedly fearing there would not be enough high-profile prisoners left for future hostage exchanges. Additionally, Israel has ruled out the release of members of Hamas’ elite Nukhba force who are awaiting trial.
While Israel may agree to symbolic exile of some Hamas members or the formation of a technocratic government in Gaza, Netanyahu has made clear that without full demilitarization of the enclave, he cannot justify any agreement to his political base.
“Like you, I was horrified yesterday. I saw the gruesome videos of our beloved sons, Rom and Evyatar,” Netanyahu said. “I called their families, embraced them on behalf of my wife, myself and all of you. You see them wasting away in a dungeon, while the Hamas monsters around them are well-fed. They have everything they need to eat, and they are starving them the way the Nazis starved the Jews.”
The prime minister added: “When I see this, I understand exactly what Hamas wants. It does not want a deal. It wants to break us through these horrifying videos and its false propaganda around the world. But we will not break. I am filled with even greater resolve to free our hostages, eliminate Hamas and ensure Gaza is never again a threat to the State of Israel.”
