Netanyahu: Hamas Under "Atomic Pressure"
The Prime Minister thanked those preparing the operation to take Gaza City but did not say whether he would accept or reject Hamas' latest proposal.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released the following statement in response to reports that Hamas has accepted the Witkoff proposal that they had previously rejected:
"I visited the Gaza Division today. I met there with the senior command staff of the IDF.
"I want to tell you, citizens of Israel, three things:
"First, I expressed on your behalf, on behalf of the Government of Israel and on my behalf, enormous appreciation for the tremendous achievements of the IDF in the War of Revival, the war of seven fronts.
"Second, I was impressed by the fighting spirit and determination to complete the defeat of Hamas and the release of all our hostages.
"Third, I spoke with the Defense Minister and the Chief of Staff about our plans regarding Gaza City and completing our missions.
"And I, like you, hear the reports in the media, and from them you can get an impression of one thing - Hamas is under tremendous pressure."
Hawkish National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responded harshly to the idea of Israel agreeing to a partial hostage deal at this stage:
"If Netanyahu surrenders to Hamas and stops the war, this will be a cause for weeping for generations and a missed enormous opportunity.
"Last time the Prime Minister missed President Trump's ultimatum, which demanded the release of all hostages or 'the gates of hell will open,' despite my warning that this was a historic mistake.
"We have an opportunity now to defeat Hamas, and I say to the Prime Minister: you have no mandate to go to a partial deal and not defeat Hamas."