Netanyahu Vows to Eliminate Hamas, Defeat Iran, and Confront Hezbollah

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to pursuing Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, while also promising continued action against Iran and Hezbollah. Speaking at a ceremony honoring Shin Bet employees at the presidential residence in Jerusalem, attended by President Isaac Herzog and Shin Bet Director David Zini, Netanyahu dismissed the notion that Hamas members were safe in Gaza.

"We are settling scores with these murderers who murdered our people, our daughters, our women, and our children on October 7," Netanyahu stated, adding that "there are not many left, because we are dealing with them." These remarks follow recent Israeli military operations targeting Hamas officials in Gaza, including the commander of Hamas's Rafah brigade and other commanders in Khan Younis and Jabalia. The military also announced the elimination of two Hamas Nukhba elite force members who allegedly participated in the October 7 attack and were preparing further assaults.

These targeted killings have reportedly created friction with the U.S.-backed Peace Council, which is advancing a plan for Gaza's future. The Israeli government maintains that a ceasefire does not grant immunity to Hamas members posing a threat. Netanyahu also broadened his scope to regional threats, declaring, "We will eliminate Hamas and, above all, we will defeat the Iranian regime. We will bring it down, it will fall. We will also deal with Hezbollah, and it too will fall."