
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning on Sunday, indicating that he may unleash severe consequences in Gaza if Palestinian militants fail to free hostages. During a press conference with visiting US Senator Marco Rubio, Netanyahu remarked, “We have a shared strategy, the specifics of which we cannot always disclose, including the timing of any severe actions, which will be inevitable should our hostages not be released.” He emphasized Israel’s determination to dismantle Hamas’s influence, both militarily and politically, in Gaza.
Netanyahu also expressed concerns regarding security along Israel’s borders with Syria and Lebanon. Highlighting the potential dangers from Syria, he stated, “Israel aims to thwart any emerging threats near our southwest border.” He warned that any faction utilizing Syrian territory to target Israel would be making a grave error.
Regarding Lebanon, Netanyahu stressed the necessity of disarming Hezbollah, stating that Israel “will take the necessary steps” to uphold the ceasefire, even if the Lebanese military does not intervene.
In discussing the future of Gaza, Netanyahu noted a collaborative outlook with former US President Donald Trump. He mentioned, “We explored Trump’s ambitious vision for Gaza’s future and are committed to turning that vision into reality.”
