In a recent press conference, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, emphasizing the significance of the recent airstrike targeting Hamas’s military leader, Muhammad Deif. Netanyahu described Deif as an "arch-murderer" and the mastermind behind the October 7 massacre, as well as many other attacks resulting in the deaths of numerous Israelis, according to Times of Israel.
Netanyahu commended the intelligence efforts that facilitated this high-profile strike, underscoring the importance of precise and actionable information in achieving such a critical objective. He highlighted that this success was possible because Israel resisted considerable domestic and international pressures to cease military operations before their goals were fully realized.
Reflecting on the broader strategy, Netanyahu reiterated his commitment made at the outset of the conflict: to eliminate the perpetrators within Hamas, stating that all members of the terrorist group would be targeted, from the leaders to the foot soldiers. He articulated that this comprehensive approach is aligned with Israel’s primary war aims—destroying Hamas, freeing hostages, and removing any future threats emanating from Gaza.
Furthermore, Netanyahu noted that the strike serves as a powerful deterrent to Iran, sending a clear message about Israel’s resolve and capabilities. He framed the current conflict within the larger context of Israel’s existential threats, not only focusing on the Iranian nuclear threat but also on Iran's broader strategy to encircle Israel with hostile forces.
He elaborated on Iran’s ambitions to create a "choking ring of terror and missile fire" through its proxies, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and various militias in Syria and Iraq. Netanyahu asserted that victory over Hamas is a crucial and necessary step towards countering Iran’s broader axis of aggression, describing this as an essential condition for regional stability and security.