Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to lead Israel to victory against Hamas during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, marking six months since the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

“We have great achievements: we have eliminated 19 out of 24 of the Hamas battalions, including senior commanders. We have killed, wounded, or captured a significant number of Hamas terrorists,” Netanyahu said. “We cleansed the Shifa hospital as well as many other terrorist headquarters. We destroyed rocket manufacturing plants, war rooms, ammunition caches, and we continue to systematically destroy the Hamas underground. We are one step away from victory.”

Israel’s prime minister also addressed the issue of the hostages held by Hamas, emphasizing the commitment to bringing them all home as a priority, stating “There will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages. It simply will not happen.” He blamed Hamas for preventing a hostage deal because of their extreme demands and warned against surrendering, asserting that it would only enable them to commit further acts of terror.

Netanyahu is facing intense scrutiny, with significant pressure mounting from the international community for an immediate ceasefire. At the same time, domestic unrest is escalating as protests demanding new elections grow, fueled by dissatisfaction with how the war is unfolding.

“Hamas hopes that the pressure from both outside and inside will make Israel surrender to these extreme demands. This will not happen. Israel is ready for a deal. Israel is not ready to surrender,” he said.