Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing attendees at the IDF Combat Officers Course Graduation Ceremony at IDF Training Base #1, underscored the righteousness of the ongoing conflict and the government’s defined objectives.
He articulated the mission’s core aims: the eradication of Hamas’s oppressive regime, the safe return of hostages, and the protection of Israel from future threats originating in Gaza.
Netanyahu emphasized the pivotal role of ground forces in engaging terrorists directly, dismantling their infrastructure, and locating captives amidst complex operational environments. He referenced military historian John Spencer’s commendation of the IDF’s effectiveness in confronting armed adversaries intermingled with civilian populations and exploiting extensive subterranean networks.
Asserting Israel’s resolve to confront all Hamas units across Gaza, including their stronghold in Rafah, Netanyahu dismissed suggestions of ceasing operations in the area, citing it as pivotal to overall victory. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to address threats from other fronts, including the northern border, while underscoring the significant damage inflicted on enemy strongholds in Gaza.
Despite mounting international pressure, Netanyahu called for unity in defending against attempts to hinder the conflict and deflect accountability for Hamas’s atrocities onto the IDF. He reiterated Hamas’ culpability for perpetrating violence against Israelis and its own populace, framing the conflict as a defense of fundamental values.
“When we defeat the murderers of October 7, we are preventing the next 9/11. The entire civilized world should support the IDF and the State of Israel,” the prime minister stated.
Directing his message to global leaders, Netanyahu positioned Israel’s fight against terrorism as crucial for global security, urging widespread support for the IDF’s actions. He stressed the intertwined nature of combat and learning, drawing on biblical references to underscore the continuous refinement of strategies and the pursuit of “total victory” in the ongoing conflict.