Netanyahu Holds First Press Conference in 5 Months, Vows Victory Over Hamas and Return of Hostages

In his first press conference in five months, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was asked questions on a wide array of topics; Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, the mounting political and legal challenges facing his government, and efforts to manage humanitarian concerns under growing international pressure.

Operation Gideon’s Chariots: “Complete the War, the Work”

Netanyahu opened the press conference by framing Israel’s renewed military offensive in Gaza. dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, as a decisive phase in the war against Hamas terrorism. “Our forces are landing powerful blows that will get stronger against Hamas strongholds that still exist in Gaza,” he declared.

He emphasized Israeli security control over parts of Gaza, which is increasing. “Our forces are taking more and more ground in order to clean them of terrorists and from Hamas terror infrastructure,” he said, stressing that the goal is total Israeli security control across the Strip.

“Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ continues — the IDF seizes control of large areas of Gaza Strip. The goal: full security control,” Netanyahu stated.

A Three-Stage Humanitarian Aid Plan

Acknowledging the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Netanyahu unveiled a three-phase humanitarian plan that he says was developed in coordination with the United States. He defended the controversial move to allow aid into the Strip, saying it was essential to maintain support from Israel’s allies.

He reports that Hamas loots aid shipments and resells supplies to fund its military activities. “10% of the trucks we gave — were taken by Hamas,” he said. The plan includes the delivery of “basic food,” the opening of aid distribution points by American companies, and the creation of a “sterile zone” in southern Gaza.

“In this zone, which will be totally free of Hamas, residents of Gaza will receive full humanitarian aid,” he explained.

No Ceasefire Without Conditions

Netanyahu firmly rejected international calls for an immediate end to the war, saying he is only open to a temporary ceasefire if it means securing the return of hostages. “Israel is ready for a temporary ceasefire — only if there is an opportunity to return the hostages,” he said.

The prime minister listed the preconditions for ending the war: “All the hostages come home, Hamas lays down its arms, steps down from power, its leadership is exiled from the Strip… Gaza is totally disarmed, and we carry out the Trump plan. A plan that is so correct and so revolutionary.”

He criticized those pushing for an end to hostilities before these goals are achieved, accusing them of enabling Hamas to remain in power and commit further atrocities, including “baby burning.”

Twenty Hostages Known to Be Alive

“We will bring everyone back,” he vowed. “There are about 20 hostages that Israel knows for sure are alive,” he said, noting that up to 38 are confirmed murdered.

“To defeat Hamas, which carried out the atrocities of October 7; to bring back all of our hostages; and to ensure that Gaza does not present a threat to Israel,” he said. “The goals are complementary… and we have to achieve them fully.”

He also revealed that Israel has “apparently” eliminated Hamas military leader Muhammad Sinwar, brother of Yahya Sinwar.

Legal Clashes and Shin Bet Controversy

Netanyahu railed against the Israeli High Court of Justice and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, amid a legal battle over the appointment of the next Shin Bet chief. The Prime Minister’s Office broke with tradition during the press conference by hand-picking friendly reporters, beginning with a Channel 14 journalist who questioned the legality of the court ruling.

Reading from a law that he said proves his authority, Netanyahu declared, “That’s the law. Clear, sharp. No lacunae… Everyone must obey the law. I must obey the law. You must obey the law. All citizens of Israel must obey the law. The judges must obey the law. And the attorney general must obey the law.”

Calling the court’s ruling “disgraceful,” he warned it harms “democracy and national security.” He accused Baharav-Miara of a personal conflict of interest, saying she failed to disclose ties to a key witness in his corruption trial and has a longstanding relationship with outgoing Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.

“We are in a difficult war against Hamas, and they are in a difficult war against the government fighting against Hamas,” Netanyahu said, pledging that “it [a new Shin Bet chief] will be appointed as soon as possible.”

He also pushed back against critics who say Israeli funds helped fuel Hamas: “The Qatari money was transferred on the recommendation of the Shin Bet and the Mossad – for water, electricity and sewage. According to him, it is not the cause of October 7.”

Responding to Accusations Against the IDF

In a particularly emotional moment, Netanyahu responded to a statement from former IDF deputy chief of staff and current Democrats party leader Yair Golan, who accused Israeli soldiers of “killing Palestinian children for sport.”

The prime minister called the accusation “appalling,” and likened it to historical blood libels. “While our heroic soldiers are risking their lives in the Gaza Strip, in order to protect our country, and to bring our hostages back, Yair Golan accuses them of war crimes,” Netanyahu said.

He defended the IDF’s conduct, insisting, “There is no army that is more moral than the IDF in the world.” While he accused Hamas of killing children “as a hobby,” he maintained that Israel does everything possible to avoid civilian casualties.