Netanyahu says genocide case in The Hague will not stop attacks on Gaza

Netanyahu, at a press conference held at the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, made statements regarding the case filed against Israel at the ICJ.

Pointing out that they have "left 100 days behind in the war in Gaza," Netanyahu said, "We will continue this war until we achieve our goals of eliminating Hamas, bringing all hostages back home, and ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to our country." he said.

"We will continue the war in Gaza until all our goals are achieved. Neither The Hague nor the 'axis of evil' will be able to stop us." Using these expressions, Netanyahu stated that they would present a budget on Sunday that would provide more funding for security to achieve this goal.

Touching upon the Philadelphia (Salah al-Din) Corridor, the border strip between Egypt and Gaza, Netanyahu argued that it is out of the question to eliminate Hamas without establishing control over this corridor.

Netanyahu also added that they would not transfer any funds to the Palestinian Authority that would in any way assist Hamas.

Netanyahu had previously mentioned his plan to take control of the Philadelphia Corridor while discussing his plan for "the day after the war in Gaza" on December 10, 15, and 30, 2023.

The Israeli Chief of General Staff said they have approved the necessary plans for the continuation of attacks in Gaza.

ATTACKS AGAINST HAMAS

Israeli Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi at the press conference he held, made statements regarding Israel's attacks in the Gaza Strip and the clashes with Hezbollah.

Stating that the Israeli army is advancing according to plan and "they have completed the plan to dismantle Hamas's military structure in the northern Gaza Strip," Halevi claimed, adding that they are now focusing on the central and southern parts of the Gaza Strip.

Halevi said they would continue to "increase the pressure" on Hamas, stating, "Today, we approved the plans for the Southern Command to continue the fighting and increase military pressure on Hamas." he said.

Stating that they will conduct an investigation into the October 7 attack by the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, but that a date has not yet been set, Halevi responded to a question regarding those displaced in northern Gaza by saying they could "consider the return of those they know pose no danger."

SOUTHERN LEBANON

Touching upon the mutual attacks between the Israeli army and Hezbollah on the Lebanese border, Halevi, "The southern region of Lebanon is a battlefield and will remain so as long as Hezbollah operates there. Hezbollah could turn all of Lebanon into a battlefield, and there will be a heavy price to pay for that." he commented.

Halevi added, "We are operating freely in Lebanese airspace and striking every threat we identify." he stated.