Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confronted the nation’s darkest hour, acknowledging the grim events of October 7, when Hamas launched a devastating assault catching Israel off guard. In an unprecedented move, Netanyahu expressed accountability, proclaiming that everyone, himself included, must answer for these failures. However, he emphasized that the immediate focus must be on what he termed “a fight for our existence.” He disclosed imminent plans for a ground incursion into Gaza to obliterate Hamas and recover hostages.
Netanyahu declared, “October 7 marked a nadir in our history. We are committed to unraveling the complexities of the events at the southern border and the Gaza-envelope area.” He pledged a thorough investigation post-war, asserting, “Accountability will be comprehensive.”
Assuming his role as the guardian of Israel’s destiny, he asserted, “I bear the responsibility of safeguarding our nation’s future. Presently, my duty is to lead Israel to a decisive triumph over our adversaries. It is imperative for us to unite with unwavering faith in the righteousness of our cause.”
While several senior Israeli figures, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, have accepted responsibility for the disastrous security lapses, Netanyahu’s address marked the first time he acknowledged the shared blame. Notably, he has abstained from media interactions since the conflict’s onset.
Amidst this crisis, Netanyahu revealed limited details about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, stressing an imminent ground incursion without divulging specifics. He defended this secrecy, stating, “Preserving our soldiers’ lives demands confidentiality in our strategies, known only to the select few in our war cabinet.”
Netanyahu affirmed unanimous agreement within the war cabinet and the IDF chief of staff regarding the incursion’s timing. He clarified the war’s dual objectives: dismantling Hamas and securing the hostages’ release. “Every member of Hamas is now a condemned entity, facing retribution above and below ground,” he declared.
In his resolute speech, Netanyahu mourned the loss of 1,400 lives during the Hamas onslaught and promised commemorative days of mourning. He vowed to rebuild the ravaged southern communities and assist the 200,000 displaced Israelis. He highlighted international collaboration, asserting, “World leaders now comprehend that Hamas is synonymous with ISIS. Our battle against Hamas transcends borders, testing the very essence of humanity. It pits the forces of evil against progress and freedom. Light will conquer darkness.
