Netanyahu Vows 'Absolute Victory,' Defends Pre-Oct. 7 Stance

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that Israel is close to achieving what he defines as "absolute victory" and does not regret his wartime declarations. Responding to a Channel 7 question suggesting he was part of the pre-October 7 "conception," Netanyahu rejected the claim, attributing responsibility to security establishment assessments. He also announced that if re-elected, he would seek to reopen the State Comptroller's investigation and establish an inquiry committee with equal representation for the coalition and opposition.

During a meeting with diplomatic reporters, Netanyahu presented his security doctrine and addressed issues including Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, US relations, the conscription law, and the possibility of a broad government post-election. He asserted that Israel is on the verge of a "huge victory," citing the elimination of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, significant damage to Hezbollah's missile arsenal, and successful actions against the Syrian army and Iran's nuclear program. He emphasized that the "absolute victory" would be completed in the remaining 10%, stating, "It is not far."

Addressing the October 7 failures, Netanyahu claimed that documents provided to the State Comptroller show security officials believed Hamas was deterred and did not anticipate an imminent war. He alleged that former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar and former Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi did not cooperate with the investigation. Netanyahu described the security establishment's assessment of a short-term or long-term arrangement with Hamas days before the attack as "total blindness."

Netanyahu expressed his intention to renew the State Comptroller's investigation if re-elected, proposing an inquiry committee structured like the US 9/11 commission, with equal representation from the coalition and opposition. He criticized the Supreme Court's decision to halt the Comptroller's investigation, attributing political motives to it. He also stated that a committee appointed by Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit would not gain public trust.

Regarding Iran, Netanyahu declared the overthrow of the Iranian regime a strategic objective, directing security forces to work towards it. He described the regime as significantly weakened but still capable of pursuing nuclear weapons and regional influence. He also affirmed Israel's right to act independently, even without US agreement, to achieve its objectives.

On Gaza, Netanyahu insisted that reconstruction would not occur before Hamas is disarmed and the territory demilitarized. He mentioned Israel's agreement to limited infrastructure work within an "Emirati bubble" but not broad reconstruction. He stated that if no force is found to disarm Hamas, Israel would undertake the task itself. Similar stances were taken regarding Lebanon, where Israel would act if the Lebanese army fails to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure. Netanyahu also touched upon relations with Turkey, potential expansion of the Abraham Accords, and the political landscape, reiterating his opposition to establishing a Palestinian state.