The Prime Minister published a video statement today (Sunday), explaining why Hamas must be militarily defeated before anyone can replace them.
As he said, "until it is clear that Hamas does not control Gaza militarily, nobody will be prepared to take upon himself the civil management of Gaza out of fear for their lives. Therefore, all the talk about 'the day after', while Hamas stays remains intact, will remain mere words devoid of content."
Netanyahu also rejected claims that the government was avoiding working on the day after victory in Gaza: "Contrary to what is being claimed, for months we have been engaged in various efforts to resolve this complex problem. Some of the efforts are covert and it is good that this is so. This is one of the objectives of the war that we have defined and we are determined to achieve it as well."
He also noted that the claimed humanitarian catastrophe that was supposed to result from an operation in Rafah never materialized, "nor will it."
In the face of increasing pressure to end the war, Netanyahu ended on a defiant note:
"Nobody will prevent us, prevent Israel, from realizing our basic right to self-defense – not the UN General assembly or any other body. We will stand together with our head held high to defend our country. Together we will fight and with G-d's help – together we will win.
