Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is pursuing a 60-day temporary ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of half of the hostages, both alive and deceased. “Negotiations to permanently end the war will begin with this ceasefire,” he said in a video message.
Netanyahu emphasized that any permanent ceasefire hinges on key Israeli conditions: Hamas must disarm and be stripped of all military and administrative capabilities in Gaza. “If this can be achieved through negotiations, great. If not, we will ensure it through military force,” he added.
Netanyahu also addressed Iran, noting that if diplomacy fails to eliminate Tehran’s nuclear threat, Israel will act through “other means.” Responding to criticism over the length of the Gaza operation, he said, “We want to achieve our goals through diplomacy and force, or force alone if necessary.”