The Rafah operation is meant to bring back the hostages and to eliminate Hamas, says Netanyahu. “We already proved in the previous hostage release — military pressure on Hamas is a precondition for the return of the hostages.”

He emphasizes that the Hamas offer is “very far from Israel’s vital demands.”

“Israel will not allow Hamas to restore its wicked rule in the Strip,” he promises. “Israel will not allow it to rehabilitate its military capabilities in order to keep working toward our destruction.”

“Israel cannot accept a proposal that endangers the safety of our citizens and the future of our country,” Netanyahu insists.