Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu addressed the Knesset this evening during a special session that was called for by forty members of the Knesset.
Family members of the hostages attended the session and displayed photos of their loved ones along with yellow ribbons. Dany Elgart, the brother of one of the hostages and currently on a hunger strike, collapsed during the session. Netanyahu’s speech was frequently interrupted, and several MKs were escorted out of the hall.
“We are witnessing countless leaks and lies from the cabinet and the negotiation team, and they say there’s a deal, but how do the American spokespeople say it? There was no deal, and Hamas remains the obstacle. These leaks provide immense information to Hezbollah and Iran about the discussions and disputes within the Cabinet. I’ve never seen anything like this in the history of war,” Netanyahu stated at the beginning of his address.
He went on to express his frustration about the lack of accountability for the leaks. “I sent a letter with a selection of horrible, criminal leaks that have severely harmed Israel’s security up to this moment, no one has been investigated, no one’s life has been ruined.”
Hinting at the arrest of Eli Feldstein, a spokesperson from his office dealing with security issues, Netanyahu added, “They ruin the lives of young people in one case, and what about the other leaks? The leaks that severely harm Israel’s security, why is this not being investigated? Everyone understands what is happening here, no one is stupid, the public is not stupid.”
Netanyahu also touched upon the ongoing conflict, revealing that he had instructed his team to devise a strategy aimed at dismantling Hamas’s rule. “The work is not complete. We eliminated the brigades and a significant part of Hamas’s military capability. I asked the IDF to bring a comprehensive plan to eliminate Hamas’s governance ability and their ability to distribute food and humanitarian aid. We want to ensure or secure the distribution of aid that it will not be looted by Hamas and others and, of course, to return the rest of the hostages.”
Knesset member Ayman Odeh (Hadash-Taal) criticized the IDF’s actions in Gaza, calling Netanyahu “a serial peace killer.” Chairman Ohana responded by ordering Odeh’s removal from the chamber.
Discussing the situation in the north, Netanyahu remarked, “70 to 80 percent of Hezbollah’s rocket and artillery was hit; they still have many thousands, but certainly, it’s not the same Hezbollah.”
Netanyahu also publicly acknowledged for the first time Israel’s role in damaging Iran’s nuclear program. “We hit a component related to Iran’s nuclear program. Four S-300 batteries were destroyed.”
He continued, “Our ability to attack the nuclear program will be tested. A certain component of the nuclear program was hit. Its operational capability was not destroyed, but we delayed it. Iran has advanced in enrichment and other things. The rest is on us. I’ve had significant talks on this issue. If we do not deal with the nuclear program, all the problems will return and emerge. We are committed to doing this. The challenges are still great. One challenge depends on our determination and intelligence, and that is to return our hostages.”
“The strategy is victory, and victory is the return of the hostages. I hear the voices that express doubt and weakness. It’s not an easy decision because we are required to take the decision and make the decision. We have laid out the entire effort, and I express my appreciation to the US. We need to improve our independent operational capability, but I did not tell Biden ‘no surprises.’ I say yes when possible, and not when necessary.”
“Hamas prevented the deal. From our perspective, I still ask for unity from most strata of the people. And also regarding victory. I stick to the war aims, stick to complete victory, stick to returning the hostages, stick to returning the people to their homes, and repelling the pressures. I will never wave a white flag.”
{Matzav.com Israel}