Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened his defense chiefs and cabinet ministers for an emergency security meeting. Their stated aim is to complete encirclement plans of Gaza City and crush Hamas once and for all. This meeting came after a video message filmed by Netanyahu on Thursday underscoring the need for such an escalation, just ahead of their planned and disastrous military operation.
At this fateful turning point, Netanyahu has already called up tens of thousands of reservists. It’s time to ensure conditions on their support—military as well—as military presses into Gaza City. When visiting the Gaza Division recently, he went to great lengths to show his support for a powerful military response. He signed off on the strategic plans that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) brought forth for the operation.
Netanyahu meeting U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson at the U.S. Capitol on July 8, 2025. As part of their conversation, they explored the recent escalation in Gaza. Israeli sources claim that he is overseeing all of the day to day developments under a cloak of secrecy, hinting at the clandestine operations at work.
In one respect, Netanyahu is right — Israel is indeed standing at a watershed moment. Latest news reports suggest that about half of the hostages are remaining in Hamas’ captivity in Gaza. Israeli officials have said that at least 20 of these hostages are still alive. Indeed, Netanyahu has admitted multiple times that negotiations for their release are pending. He did refrain from rejecting a mediator’s proposal, which continues to leave the door open for a possible partial deal.
Netanyahu remains deeply committed to pursuing plans for a massive military attack on Gaza City. He has stayed determined — even as conversations continue. He has instructed the military to expedite the timeline for this operation, reiterating that “defeating Hamas and securing the release of all hostages go hand in hand.”
“We are at the decisive stage,” – Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu stated that his government seeks a comprehensive agreement that would not only ensure the release of all hostages but meet Israel’s conditions for concluding the ongoing conflict. He assured that negotiations are still ongoing to free all hostages. Moreover, he wants to stop fighting in Gaza on terms acceptable to Israel.
