'We have to finish it': Netanyahu pledges to complete defeat of Hamas

Israel “has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.

Speaking to foreign media in Jerusalem, he defended the planned military offensive on Gaza City, asserting that “our goal is not to occupy Gaza, our goal is to free Gaza.”

Netanyahu also pushed back against what he calls a “global campaign of lies” as condemnation of the plan grows both inside and outside Israel.

The Israeli premier added there is a “fairly short timetable” in mind for next steps in Gaza.

The goals in the Strip, he said, include demilitarising Gaza, with the Israeli military having “overriding security control” and a non-Israeli civilian administration in charge.

Netanyahu also said he had directed Israel’s military in recent days to “bring in more foreign journalists”, marking a change in course as they have not been allowed into Gaza beyond military embeds.

The Israeli PM again blamed many of Gaza’s problems on the Hamas militant group, including civilian deaths, destruction and food shortages.

Asked about the recent decision by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to halt exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza "until further notice", Netanyahu said he gave in to pressure.

"I respect Friedrich Merz, he's been a good friend of Israel but I think he's buckled," Netanyahu explained.

"He's buckled under the pressure of false TV reports, or internal pressure from various groups ... and I don't want to talk about him specifically but I want to say this: maybe some chose to forget 7 October but we will not, and we will do whatever it takes to defend our people, to defend our country and defend our future."

General strike urged in Israel

The prospect of expanding the war has sparked outrage both internationally and within Israel, where bereaved families and relatives of hostages still held in Gaza urged companies to declare a general strike next week.

Tens of thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday night in what local media called one of the largest anti-government protests in recent months.

The families and their supporters hope to pressure the government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City, warning that expanding the Israel-Hamas war will endanger their loved ones.

Dozens of people sat outside the US consulate in Jerusalem to protest Israel’s offensive. “I think it’s a horrible decision. It’s like deciding that we don’t want (hostages) alive anymore,” said one, Milly Rothschild.

Of the 251 people abducted when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200, around 50 remain in Gaza, with 20 Israel believed to be alive.

Also on Sunday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz toured the northern part of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. He said Israel's military would remain in the area's refugee camps at least until the end of the year.