Tension in the Israeli government: Netanyahu requested, Gallant refused

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an assessment regarding Israel's attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip during a press conference he held.

Stating that there is "international pressure" on Israel due to the attacks, but that they have nevertheless created space to achieve their goals, Netanyahu said, "Ultimately, we make the decisions, and our final decision is to destroy Hamas, return our hostages, and ensure that there is no new terror control in Gaza."

Netanyahu expressed that the U.S. supports two of their three goals in the attacks on Gaza (the return of hostages and the destruction of Hamas).

Stating that there are disagreements with the U.S. regarding the future of Gaza after the attacks, even if he did not say so explicitly, Netanyahu stated the following:

"There are differences of opinion on how to achieve all these goals. Ultimately, this is our war. We have to make the decisions. Ultimately, we make the decisions. We are trying to convince our American friends, and most of the time we succeed. I hope and believe that this will continue to be the case."

Netanyahu stated that they will continue the attacks on the Gaza Strip until they reach their goals and that they cannot achieve these goals without a ground offensive.

THREAT TO HEZBOLLAH

Touching upon the clashes with Hezbollah on the Lebanese border, Netanyahu said, "We will restore security in the north (Lebanese border) and in the south (Gaza Strip). If Hezbollah makes a mistake and enters into a full-scale war, it will have destroyed Lebanon with its own hands."

NETANYAHU AND GALLANT HELD SEPARATE PRESS CONFERENCES

In response to a question regarding Defense Minister Gallant holding a separate press conference, Netanyahu replied, "I proposed to the Defense Minister that we hold a joint press conference this evening. The decision is his decision."

News Source: AA