Tel Aviv [Israel], February 24 (ANI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed cadets graduating from the IDF Ground Forces combat officers course, stressing that Israel is “ready to return at any moment to intensive combat” as operational plans are already in place. Netanyahu reaffirmed his resolve, vowing “total victory” and declaring that “all of our hostages, without exception, will return home.
He emphasized that Gaza would be demilitarized, stating, “Hamas won’t rule Gaza. Gaza will be demilitarized, and its fighting force will be dismantled,” according to The Times of Israel.
Hostage Tragedy and Netanyahu’s Message of Remembrance
Netanyahu’s speech was met with mixed reactions, including cheers and boos. He held up a photo of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, who were killed and recently returned to Israel. Some members of the audience shouted in protest. Netanyahu reflected, “This picture says it all… So that we will always remember, what we are fighting for, and who we are fighting against.” He described how the Bibas family was murdered in cold blood during the early days of the conflict, adding that “They strangled the tender boys with their bare hands.”
“We must defeat those monsters, and we will defeat them,” Netanyahu said passionately. “Victory, victory and only victory,” he emphasized, stating that this victory “can be achieved in negotiations” or “another way.”
US Support and Gaza Proposal
Netanyahu expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump for his commitment to send crucial defensive and offensive weapons to Israel, which he believes will be pivotal in achieving “total victory.” He also reiterated that Trump sees eye-to-eye with Israel regarding Gaza, praising Trump’s plan to allow Gazans the freedom to leave and proposing the creation of a new Gaza under U.S. supervision.
West Bank and the Fight Against Terrorism
Netanyahu also discussed the IDF’s operations in the West Bank, stating that Israeli forces will remain in cities “as long as it takes” and that Israel will fight terrorism “with all means and in all places,” citing the introduction of a tank platoon into the area.
US Backs Israel’s Delay in Releasing Palestinian Prisoners
In related developments, the White House confirmed its backing for Israel’s decision to delay the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, citing the “barbaric treatment” of Israeli captives by Hamas. This move comes amidst rising tensions and ongoing ceasefire discussions.
The decision has sparked backlash from Hamas, which refuses to continue negotiations until the prisoners are released. Hamas had earlier freed six Israeli captives, prompting criticism from Netanyahu, who described the handover ceremonies in Gaza as “humiliating” and accused Hamas of using captives for “propaganda.”
Israel Faces International Criticism
Despite the US backing, Israel’s handling of the prisoner release has attracted criticism from international aid groups, with some accusing Israel of failing to honor its ceasefire commitments. Meanwhile, Egypt and Qatar have pressured Israel to follow through on its promise and release the 620 prisoners.
At a separate military graduation event, Netanyahu faced protests over his leadership during the conflict. As he held up the photo of Shiri Bibas and her children, some in the crowd shouted, “Shame!” and “Why didn’t you save them?” Netanyahu reiterated that Israel is ready to return to intensive combat, with operational plans in place, as reported by The Times of Israel.
