The military pressure Israel is applying on Hamas is working, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a government meeting on Sunday.
Netanyahu added that the security cabinet had decided on Saturday to increase operations against Hamas.
This comes amid Israel's Operation Strength and Sword initiated by the IDF earlier in March, which saw the military renew strikes on the Gaza Strip. Later in March, the military said it had four separate forces operating in each of Gaza’s main regions.
"It’s working because it operates simultaneously: on one hand, it crushes Hamas’s military and governmental capabilities, and on the other, it creates the conditions for the release of our hostages. That’s exactly what we’re doing," Netanyahu added.
"We are committed to bringing the hostages back, and we are working to bring the hostages back. To this day, the combination of military and diplomatic pressure is the only thing that has led to the return of hostages," Netanyahu further noted.
The three "false claims"
Netanyahu also commented on three "false claims that are constantly being directed at us in one continuous lie."
The first lie is that negotiations to release hostages are not being held. Netanyahu clarified that they are, while also adding military pressure on Hamas to comply.
Secondly, that Netanyahu is willing to discuss the final stage of a ceasefire, where "Hamas will lay down its weapons. Its leaders will be allowed to leave. We will see to the general security in the Gaza Strip and will allow the realization of the Trump plan for voluntary migration. This is the plan."
Thirdly, he addressed a claim that he does not care about hostages, stating that "we speak in depth" with hostage families "and feel their pain, which is immense." He added that the claim that he does not care "echoes Hamas propaganda."
"As of today, the combination of military and diplomatic pressure is the only thing that has returned the hostages," he concluded.
Aggressive enforcement against Hezbollah
When discussing Israel's ongoing military actions against Hezbollah, Netanyahu stated that "there is very aggressive enforcement, without compromise," adding that this directive has been handed from the prime minister, defense minister, and Security Cabinet to the IDF, who are "implementing in the optimal manner."
Netanyahu added that "the Lebanese state is responsible for what emanates from its territory and it needs to see to it that nothing does, that attacks against the State of Israel do not emanate from its territory."
"We respect the Lebanese state and its military; therefore, we demand from them the things that you demand from someone you respect," he clarified.
Greatly appreciate assistance against Houthi terror
When discussing the Houthi terrorists in Yemen, Netanyahu began by stating he "greatly appreciates the actions of our ally, the US," who are "dealing with them very forcefully."
"We are acting to defend ourselves...but the fact that the US has gone in there vigorously is a major change," he added.
This alliance has "the full appreciation of the citizens and Government of Israel," Netanyahu concluded.
Future of Gaza Strip
The prime minister addressed the future of the Gaza Strip following the Israel-Hamas War. "Hamas will lay down its arms, its leaders will be allowed to leave," Netanyahu remarked.
"We will ensure overall security in Gaza and enable the implementation of the Trump Plan—voluntary emigration. That’s the plan. We’re not hiding it and are ready to discuss it at any time," he added.
The mother of Gaza hostage Matan Zangauker, Einav, commented on Netanyahu's statement. "A prime minister who truly cared about the hostages would have made sure they were all home long ago," she noted.
"The one responsible for applying military pressure that led to the deaths of 41 hostages in captivity continues trying to sell the public the idea that 'military pressure' will bring them back," she added.