Netanyahu: 'The day after'? Empty talk until Hamas is dismantled

May 15, 2024   

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed today (Wednesday) the continued fighting in the Gaza Strip, the pressures being exerted on Israel to end the war - and the question of 'the day after.' Netiyahu said: "Our forces are fighting throughout the Gaza Strip - in Jabalia, Zaytoun and Rafah. We are doing this while evacuating the civilian population and while fulfilling our commitment to their humanitarian needs." He said, "Our responsible efforts are bearing fruit. So far in Rafah, nearly half a million people have been evacuated from the fighting zones. The humanitarian catastrophe that was talked about has not materialized, nor will it materialize." He added: "Eliminating Hamas is a necessary step to ensure that 'the day after' there will be no party in Gaza that will threaten us. About a hundred days ago, I authorized security officials to allow local Gazans, who are not affiliated with Hamas, to integrate into the civilian management of food distribution in Gaza. This attempt was unsuccessful, because Hamas threatened them and even harmed some of them to deter others. "Until it is clear that Hamas does not militarily control Gaza, no party will be willing to assume civilian management of Gaza for fear of its safety," Netanyahu explained - against the backdrop of criticism that discussions about the day after are not taking place. He emphasized: "Therefore, the talk about 'the day after,' when Hamas remains in place, will remain just talk - empty of content. Contrary to what is claimed, for months we have been engaged in various attempts to bring a solution to this complex problem. Some of the attempts are hidden from view, and that is a good thing. This is part of the war goals that we defined, we are determined to achieve it too." He clarified: "In any case, there is no substitute for military victory. The attempt to circumvent it with one claim or another is simply disconnected from reality. There is one substitute for victory - defeat. Military and political defeat, national defeat. The government headed by me will not agree to this." In addition, he referred to the decision approved today by the government: "Today, the government opposed the UN decision from last week to promote recognition of a Palestinian state. We will not give a reward for the terrible massacre of October 7, which 80% of the Palestinians support both in Gaza and Judea and Samaria. We will not allow them to establish a terrorist state from which they can attack us even more vigorously. "No one will prevent us, from Israel, from exercising our basic right to defend ourselves - not the UN General Assembly or any other entity. We will stand together with our heads held high to defend our country. Together we will fight, and with God's help - together we will win.".