Netanyahu: ‘What Began in Gaza Will End in Gaza’ as War Marks Two Years.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is close to ending the war in Gaza, but stressed that Hamas has not yet been destroyed, as the conflict marked its second anniversary on October 7. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Ben Shapiro, Netanyahu also discussed his relationship with Donald Trump and Israel’s strategic role in the region.
“We are close to ending the war – but not there yet… What began in Gaza will end in Gaza, with the release of our 46 hostages and the end of Hamas’ rule,” Netanyahu said.
Two Years of Conflict
It has been two years since Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which triggered a devastating war. Israeli retaliatory strikes have killed tens of thousands in Gaza and flattened towns and cities, with the effects felt across the region, including Lebanon, Qatar, Yemen, and Iran.
Netanyahu’s comments coincided with ongoing Egypt-mediated talks between Israel and Hamas aimed at implementing Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan. The proposal seeks to halt fighting immediately and secure the release of 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of detained Gazans.
“Hamas has not yet been destroyed, but we will get there… Israel emerged from that day as the strongest state in the region – but missions remain to complete the victory,” Netanyahu said, noting that freeing all hostages and removing Hamas from power are essential for a real end to the war.
The Israeli Prime Minister also highlighted Israel’s efforts to weaken the ‘Axis of Resistance’, an informal coalition of Iran-backed groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, that challenge US and Israeli influence in the Middle East.
On His Relationship with Trump
Netanyahu described his ties with former President Donald Trump as “warm” but candidly acknowledged occasional disagreements. He emphasized that “America First” does not mean “America alone”, highlighting Israel’s role as a fighting ally protecting US interests in the region.
“Iran is developing intercontinental missiles that could reach the East Coast of the US. Naturally, a state looks after itself first, but great powers need allies. Israel bears the burden but does not ask for American ground troops,” he said.
Netanyahu praised Trump for his diplomatic efforts in countering Hamas, saying:
“Together we succeeded in putting the world before reality.”
The interview came amid reports of growing US frustration with Netanyahu, including a tense phone call after the recent attack in Qatar, but Netanyahu underscored the strategic partnership between the two nations remains strong.
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