According to a report by The Times of Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thanked US President Donald Trump for applying “massive diplomatic pressure” on Hamas, while issuing a clear warning that Israel could resume military action if the current ceasefire and hostage release deal are not fully implemented.
Netanyahu addressed the public following the signing of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement, dismissing analysts and journalists who argued that Israel could not retrieve the remaining hostages without conceding to Hamas’s primary demands. “There were those who said there is no way to bring back the rest of the hostages without giving in to Hamas’s main demand — that the IDF will leave the Strip entirely, including from the buffer zone, including from the Philadelphi corridor, including from the dominant ground, with all its implications,” Netanyahu said.
The prime minister explained that he knew that entering Hamas’s last major stronghold in Gaza City would trigger the group to seek to preserve its rule. “I knew that if massive diplomatic pressure is added from our big friend President Trump, this powerful combination will cause Hamas to give back all of our hostages, while the IDF remains deep inside the Strip and holds all the key positions,” he said.
Netanyahu promised that in the next stages of the agreement, “Hamas will be disarmed, and Gaza will be demilitarized.” He warned Hamas of potential consequences if the deal is not fully carried out: “If this is achieved the easy way, great. And if not, it will be achieved the hard way.”
The prime minister emphasized that Israel’s military and diplomatic efforts were aimed at ensuring the safe return of hostages while maintaining key security positions in Gaza. He highlighted the coordinated work with the United States and Trump’s team, which he credited with isolating Hamas internationally and creating leverage for the hostages’ release.
Netanyahu’s comments come as Israel prepares for the phased implementation of the US-brokered deal, which includes the return of hostages and the release of select Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire follows more than two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas, a period Netanyahu described as marked by both intense military operations and high diplomatic engagement.
The address reaffirmed Israel’s position that security considerations remain paramount. Netanyahu concluded by underscoring Israel’s readiness to act decisively to protect its citizens and ensure that the agreement is enforced, whether through diplomacy or, if necessary, renewed military measures. See, More, Here>>>>
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