In a press conference this afternoon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined the IDF's latest operations in Gaza and reaffirmed Israel's war objectives.
“I am prepared to end the war according to clear conditions: Hamas lays down its weapons, steps down from power, returns all the hostages, Gaza is demilitarized and we implement the Trump plan” to relocate residents of Gaza, Netanyahu said.
“Whoever is calling for us to end the war is calling for Hamas to stay in power,” he added, while stressing that Israel would accept a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages.
Hamas has repeatedly rejected offers proposed by the United States and accepted by Israel to free hostages in exchange for a pause in fighting.
The United States must continue to stand with Israel for as long as it takes to free all 58 remaining hostages, including 4 Americans, and drive Hamas from power.
On the negotiations with Iran, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is "in full coordination with the U.S. — we talk to them all the time."
"We hope that it’s possible to reach an agreement that will prevent a nuclear weapon from Iran and will prevent Iran from having the ability to enrich uranium. If it is reached, of course, we will welcome it...In any case, Israel reserves the right to defend itself against a regime that threatens to destroy us.”
Asked about President Trump's visit to the region last week, the prime minister said, “I have no opposition to the U.S. deepening its ties to the Arab world…I think this can help broaden the Abraham Accords that I’m very interested in.”
Report: Israel preparing strike on Iran's nuclear facilities if talks break down
According to new reporting tonight in Axios, Israel is making preparations to strike Iran's nuclear facilities swiftly if negotiations collapse.
"One source said the Israeli military thinks its operational window to conduct a successful strike could close soon, so Israel will have to move fast if talks fail," writes Barak Ravid.
President Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran’s nuclear program if they fail to make a deal, and Israel has previously warned that it will strike Iran’s nuclear facilities on its own if it feels threatened.
The fifth round of negotiations is set to take place in Rome on Friday. The Trump administration has repeated its red line that any agreement must include the “total dismantlement” of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program.
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IDF facilitates 100 aid trucks into Gaza as humanitarian surge continues
Israel is facilitating the transfer of humanitarian aid into Gaza, with an additional 100 trucks delivered into the Strip today carrying flour, baby food and medical supplies.
On Sunday, the Israeli Security Cabinet announced the immediate resumption of aid into Gaza.
Aid is being delivered through preexisting delivery channels, while Israel and the United States work together to establish a new humanitarian aid mechanism to help ensure it is not stolen by Hamas.
"We will continue to facilitate humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip while making every effort to ensure that the aid does not reach the hands of the Hamas terrorist organization," the IDF said today.
Hamas fires 4 rockets at Israel, 3 land inside Gaza
Hamas continues to attack Israeli communities with total disregard for civilians in Gaza.
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