The Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his new speech he stated that “the Israeli Army has reached deeper into Gaza than Hamas ever imagined” and warned Lebanon’s Hezbollah that it would “biggest mistake of her life” if a new war front opens with Israel.

Speaking from the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu said he was addressing the nation to inform Israelis of the war.

“In the south, the war is going on with a force that Hamas has never seen,” he said. “Gaza city is surrounded. We operate within it, we are increasing the pressure on Hamas hour by hour, day by day”

He declared that “thousands of terrorists have been killed, both above ground and in tunnels, including many of those who planned and carried out the massacre of 1,400 people in Israel on October 7.”

Netanyahu also emphasized that the ground operation has destroyed “countless” Hamas command centers, positions and tunnels.

“Hamas is discovering that we are reaching places they thought we would never reach,” he said.

Netanyahu noted that IDF troops are “taking lessons” inside the Strip which they are transferring to troops training inside Israel before entering Gaza. He also praised the loyalty and determination of the Israeli troops in defending the country.

In the north, Netanyahu said, the IDF is defending and attacking at the same time. “Israel will not accept Hamas or Hezbollah in Lebanon harm our communities and our citizens.”

“We will respond with heavy fire to any of their attacks against us,” he promises.

“If Hezbollah goes to war, it will make the biggest mistake of its life,” he warned.

Regarding the hostages being held in Gaza, Netanyahu clarified that he spoke with the president of the Red Cross and asked (the organization) to work to secure their immediate release, “as international law requires.” He also demanded that the Red Cross visit all the hostages and confirm their good health, as again required by international law.

“There will be no ceasefire without the return of our abductees”, underlined Netanyahu, sending a message “to our enemies and our friends”. He added that the ground operation is a vital part of the effort to return the hostages to their homes.

On the diplomatic front, Netanyahu said Israel is working to give the IDF diplomatic leeway. “I have told foreign leaders that if Israel does not win, their countries are next. But Israel will win” he promised

He noted that he speaks regularly with US President Joe Biden and appreciates the support from the White House and the American people.

He vowed that Israel would “destroy Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities.” “Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel” he interpreted.

Netanyahu again called on the population of Gaza to move south — “you’re already doing it, get it done, because we won’t stop,” he warned.
And he made it clear again, that despite pressure, no fuel will be allowed into Gaza, “and no ceasefire without the return of our hostages.”

Netanyahu has promised that his government will open its pockets to restore Israel’s devastated southern communities, no matter the cost. “We will fight together and with God’s help we will win together,” Netanyahu concluded in his message.