'We have to finish it' - Netanyahu defends his war on Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel “has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.”

Speaking to foreign media in Jerusalem on Sunday, he defended a planned military offensive. He asserts that “our goal is not to occupy Gaza, our goal is to free Gaza.” He was also pushing back against what he calls a “global campaign of lies” as condemnation of the plan grows both inside and outside Israel.

Netanyahu said there is a “fairly short timetable” in mind for next steps in Gaza.

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

The prime minister also said he had directed Israel’s military in recent days to “bring in more foreign journalists” — which would be a striking development as they have not been allowed into Gaza beyond military embeds.

'Whatever it takes to defend our country'

Netanyahu again blamed many of Gaza’s problems on the Hamas militant group, including civilian deaths, destruction and shortages of aid.

Asked by a German journalist about the recent decision by Chancellor Friedrich Merz to halt exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza "until further notice", Netanyahu replied:

"I respect Friedrich Merz, he's been a good friend of Israel but I think he's buckled. He's buckled under the pressure of false TV reports, or internal pressure from various groups and I can say this.. and I don't want to talk about him specifically but I want to say this: maybe some chose to forget October 7 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 over looming Gaza City offensive

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 war will endanger their loved ones.

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 Defense 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.

Approximately 40,000 Palestinians have been driven from their homes this year in the largest displacement since Israel captured the West Bank in 1967. Israel says the operations are needed to stamp out militancy, as violence by all sides has surged since Hamas’ attack ignited war in Gaza.