Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tuesday at the opening of a cabinet meeting that a depleted Hamas would try to challenge Israel with its remaining strength and influence the upcoming elections. Speaking on the eve of the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, he revealed that Israel has eliminated 4,000 of the 6,000 terrorists who participated in the attack, and vowed to pursue the rest and end Hamas rule in Gaza. Netanyahu also said 90% of residents have returned to the Gaza border area amid reconstruction.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expanded Tuesday on his earlier warning at the opening of the cabinet meeting, providing new details on Israel's military campaign and the threat from Hamas ahead of the elections. Speaking on the eve of the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, Netanyahu said Israel has eliminated 4,000 of the 6,000 terrorists who took part in the attack — a figure Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly cited on October 5. He vowed to pursue the remaining perpetrators and end Hamas rule in Gaza. Netanyahu also reported that 90% of residents have returned to their homes in the Gaza border region, with new families arriving amid what he described as extensive reconstruction. In his concluding remarks, the prime minister warned all enemies: 'Don’t mess with us.' The statement comes as Israel marks three years since the deadliest attack in its history, with the political and security establishment on alert for possible attempts by Hamas to disrupt the electoral process. As The Zioneer reported earlier Tuesday, the prime minister had warned that Hamas would 'try to challenge us with its remaining strength' and that Israel would respond with 'overwhelming force.'
4 developments
- StrongNetanyahu: Israel has 'clear evidence' Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah preparing attacks before elections
- DevelopingEgypt fears Netanyahu will renew Gaza war before elections, report says
- DevelopingNetanyahu warns Iran: Fire is now cautious — we'll respond forcefully to any further attack
- DevelopingEhud Barak: Netanyahu may escalate war or disrupt vote count if he fears losing
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