Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently addressed the continuing conflict with Hamas during a ceremony at Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl cemetery. In his remarks, he emphasized that “the struggle is not over” and warned that those who attack Israel will face severe consequences. Netanyahu’s comments come amid intensely political battles over the remains of dead hostages. These conflicts have been made worse by the rapidly deteriorating military situation in Gaza.
In his speech given this past Thursday, Netanyahu claimed that Israel thinks Hamas has important intelligence. This knowledge applies to where some of the dead hostages have been found. Continued scrutiny from those critical of Israel has cast doubt upon the legitimacy of its military operations inside Gaza. Today, Israel effectively controls upwards of 50% of the territory.
Despite the cessation of hostilities under a ceasefire agreement, Netanyahu has yet to declare an official end to the war. He has ducked questions on the possibility of going back to military operations. This provides little clarity for either Israel or Hamas on the way ahead. “Great challenges still lie ahead from enemies seeking to rearm,” he stated, highlighting the persistent threats Israel faces.
Netanyahu’s far-right government has been engaged in back-channel negotiations with Hamas over terms for a ceasefire. During the course of these negotiations, Israel freed more than 1,700 Palestinian detainees held without charge and 250 Palestinian prisoners. This decision is a huge step towards ensuring their peaceful coexistence. It has raised a firestorm of controversy over the matter of hostage remains.
Consistent with the ceasefire agreement, Netanyahu’s government has released humanitarian aid into Gaza. The types of aid allowed match the types of aid outlined in the agreement. He has been engaging regularly behind-the-scenes with U.S. officials. Jointly, they provide intelligence and logistical support to get into the areas where we found the bodies of dead hostages.
U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted close to the election in strong support of Netanyahu’s leadership. He has indicated that he would permit a renewal of military hostilities should Hamas not abide by its ceasefire commitments. Whether or not that change happens, it highlights the tension between diplomacy and military presence in the region.
In general, Israel has been very proactive in publicizing the places where they allowed deceased hostages’ bodies to be in Gaza. This move continues its existing intelligence-gathering efforts. Further fights rage over dozens of other cadavers. Netanyahu’s hard-right government is convinced that Hamas could have had its hands on at least six others—if not many others. The Israeli authorities have admitted on three occasions that five of these bodies are lost. This is profoundly troubling, both from an accountability perspective and for transparency during a U.S.-led war.
At the cemetery ceremony, Netanyahu stated, “We are determined to complete the victory, a victory that will shape the course of our lives for many years.” His comments express not just a desire to achieve military goals, but a deeply-seated long-term geopolitical desire for security in Israel.
