The ultimate goal of the Israel-Hamas War is to prevail over all of Israel’s enemies, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during the annual Independence Day International Bible Quiz on Thursday.
While returning the hostages was a very important goal, “in war there is one ultimate goal, and that is victory over our enemies,” the prime minister said.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in response that “the return of the hostages was not less important – it was the supreme goal that should be guiding the Israeli government.”
“The hostages’ families are concerned – Netanyahu is aligning himself with [Finance Minister Bezalel] Smotrich, contrary to the overwhelming majority of the Israeli public who, above all else, want to see all the captives returned.”
Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, said: “I see that Netanyahu has more important goals than bringing back my sick son, who has been chained up for a year and a half, drinking toilet water in the Nazi tunnels of Gaza.”
“Because of this, it is clear to me that in order to bring back my son, my goal from this moment onward is to oust Netanyahu from power,” she said.
Smotrich's similar comments in mid-April
In mid-April, Smotrich faced backlash for making a similar comment to the one that the prime minister made during an interview with Army Radio.
“Smotrich, history will remember how you hardened your heart to your brothers and sisters in captivity and chose not to save some of them from death and others from disappearance,” the forum said, responding to what the minister said in that interview.
Meanwhile, at the annual Outstanding Soldiers Ceremony at the President’s Residence on Thursday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said that the IDF was preparing to deliver a “decisive blow” against Hamas. The military would also increase the pace and intensity of the operations in Gaza soon if necessary, he added.
“Hamas terrorists still hold fifty-nine of our brothers and sisters. But they, too, know their safety is not forever,” Zamir said.
“Our sovereignty and independence were not given to us as a gift. They were bought with blood and struggle, and they require us to defend this at all costs,” the IDF’s chief said.
The purpose of the ceremony was to honor outstanding soldiers in the IDF. At the beginning of Zamir’s speech, he defined what the notion of “outstanding” meant to him.
“Excellence is not measured by who is the most talented or the most brilliant. Rather, it defines perseverance. It reflects the quiet, daily choice to act with responsibility, commitment, and integrity – even when no one is watching,” Zamir said.
He added that this year, the ceremony has “special significance.”
“You are receiving recognition during a time of war – a long and complex war, in multiple arenas, against numerous threats, which is still ongoing,” Zamir continued.
He also highlighted the responsibility Israeli citizens had for one another.
“For the State of Israel, this idea is essential to its existence and resilience, and no one is exempt – not individuals, not groups, and not tribes,” Zamir said.
“We all enlist, we all fight together, and we all sacrifice together – for the sake of the state and for a better future. Because one shared destiny placed us here, in this land,” he said.
Zamir noted particular awardees, including Avigdor, an officer from a haredi family, “who chose to enlist in the IDF despite social challenges,” and Dorian, “who made aliyah alone just two years ago, and despite the language barriers, excelled in his service in the Intelligence Directorate.”
He also spotlighted Oria, an observer from the Re’im base, who survived Hamas’s October 7 attack and continued to serve in the IDF, “demonstrating extraordinary inner strength.”
“Lea is a soldier whose grandfather was kidnapped and taken into Gaza and murdered there. From that great pain, she found the strength to persevere, rise, and excel,” Zamir continued.
He concluded with Daria, the sister of a civilian hostage, “who enlisted in the IDF and, even during the fierce struggle for her sister’s return, managed to stand out and become a role model for strength and determination,” he said.
The IDF’s chief continued, “We, too, together with you, are adding a new verse to the long and glorious song of the life of the people of Israel. From this place, in the heart of Jerusalem, our eternal capital, we send a clear message: Israeli hope is alive and well.”
“Happy and safe Independence Day,” Zamir said at the end of his speech.
This is a developing story.