Netanyahu Vows to Continue War Until “Total Victory” Amid Heated Knesset Clash
Israeli Prime Minister Faces Fierce Opposition Over Hostage Crisis and Gaza Strategy
Watan-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is “preparing for the next stages of the war,” vowing not to stop until achieving “all victory objectives.”
He made these remarks during a speech before the Knesset (parliament) general session on Monday evening, which was convened after 40 members (out of 120) signed a request to summon Netanyahu for a session to discuss the formation of an official investigative committee into the events of October 7, 2023.
At the beginning of his speech, Netanyahu stated: “We are preparing for the next stages of the War of Revival.”
He added: “We will not stop until we achieve all victory objectives—bringing back all our hostages, destroying Hamas’ power, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.”
Netanyahu Clashes with Opposition Over Hostage Deals and Gaza War
Netanyahu boasted about the prisoners Israel has recovered in deals with Hamas, saying, “Some didn’t believe we would even bring back one.”
His speech was repeatedly interrupted by opposition Knesset members.
At the start of his address, as he directed remarks to the families of Israeli captives, Knesset member Gilad Kariv from the Labor Party shouted: “These are bereaved families! You don’t even know.” Netanyahu responded, saying: “I know very well what bereaved families are. Shame on you.”
He claimed that “Hamas hardened its stance after Israel adopted the plan of (U.S. Middle East envoy Steve) Weitzman.”
Netanyahu also insisted that his government had not violated the agreement with Hamas, adding: “We have the option to resume fighting from the 42nd day if we feel negotiations are pointless.”
He then issued a threat: “If Hamas does not release our hostages, there will be a price they cannot imagine.”
Netanyahu argued that it was time to give Gaza’s residents “freedom to leave,” praising former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “visionary and innovative” plan to relocate Palestinians outside the Strip.
“The president presented a visionary and innovative plan for free migration from Gaza, and I believe his plan should be supported,” Netanyahu said. “It’s time to give Gaza’s residents a real choice. It’s time to give them the freedom to leave.”
Stormy Knesset Session
Netanyahu was repeatedly forced to pause his speech due to opposition lawmakers’ loud objections. He accused them of “pressuring us instead of Hamas,” adding, “You echo Hamas propaganda. You incite against us all the time in the worst way possible, harming the chances of retrieving the hostages. You never stop sowing division and incitement.”
Israeli media reported that a heated argument broke out between Netanyahu and Knesset members after the opposition demanded he stand in mourning for the dead, a request rejected by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
Many Knesset members and families of the hostages interrupted Netanyahu’s speech multiple times, accusing him of abandoning the captives and sabotaging the Gaza ceasefire agreement for his own political interests.
According to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, the Knesset speaker ordered the removal of bereaved and captive families from the session after they disrupted Netanyahu’s speech and turned their backs on him. However, he later retracted his decision.
During the live-broadcast session, Netanyahu addressed his critics, saying: “You spread division and engage in false political propaganda,” accusing them of demoralizing the families of the captives.
The Knesset speaker ordered several lawmakers who interrupted the prime minister’s speech to be expelled, including opposition Labor Party leader Yair Golan.
