Netanyahu prioritizes victory over media perceptions in war against Hamas

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed his Cabinet amid rising protests demanding a hostage deal with Hamas and an end to the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the Israeli government's position of being open to negotiations, contingent upon the simultaneous release of all hostages and the disarmament of Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been poised to initiate a major invasion of Gaza City, targeting Hamas's key strongholds in an effort to eliminate fighters involved in the October 7 massacre. Netanyahu's remarks reflect his administration's commitment to aggressively pursue military objectives, even at the cost of diplomatic relations and international perception. He noted the sacrifices made in the name of national security, stating that the goal is to eradicate Hamas and ensure the safe return of hostages, ultimately aiming to prevent future threats to Israel from Gaza. His comments reveal a firm stance: he values achieving military success over favorable media narratives, stating he would rather not be praised by global outlets if it means compromising on military objectives. Additionally, he acknowledged the humanitarian considerations, urging measures to allow civilians to safely exit conflict zones while firmly asserting the military's mission against perceived terrorists.