Visiting Gaza Strip, PM Netanyahu says – ‘Hamas will not stay in Gaza. Whoever dares to harm our hostages – will pay the price’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, together with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi and Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) Director Ronen Bar, visited the Netzarim Corridor in the Gaza Strip to assess IDF progress on Tuesday.

Netanyahu and Katz were briefed by 99th Division Commander Yoav Broner and the Head of IDF Southern Command Maj.-Gen. Yaron Finkleman at one of the observation points at the corridor about operations and the remaining challenges. 

While there, the prime minister said the IDF is “doing amazing work” in Gaza. 

"I am here on the Gaza coast with the Defense Minister, the IDF Chief of Staff, the ISA Director and our heroic commanders and soldiers, who are doing amazing work here,” Netanyahu said. 

Netanyahu also stressed several of Israel’s war goals, saying the military has “achieved excellent results toward our important objective – Hamas will not rule in Gaza.” 

“We are eliminating its military capabilities in very impressive fashion. We are moving on to its governing abilities, and we are not yet done. Hamas will not be in Gaza,” Netanyahu proclaimed. 

He then moved to a second war objective – the remaining Israeli hostages being held in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023.

“We are also making an effort from here and everywhere to locate our hostages and bring them back,” Netanyahu said. “We are not relenting here. We will continue to do so until we bring them all back, both the living and the deceased.” 

He issued both a warning and an offer to the terrorists holding the hostages. 

“I want to say to those who are holding our hostages: Whoever dares to harm our hostages – will pay the price. We will pursue you and we will find you.” 

However, he also offered them an opportunity for safe passage out of Gaza. 

“To those who want to leave this entanglement, I say: Whoever brings us a hostage, will find a safe way out for himself and his family. We will also give $5 million for every hostage,” Netanyahu announced. “Choose, the choice is yours, but the result will be the same. We will bring them all back.” 

After his remarks and touring the area, Netanyahu held an assessment with the Gaza Division about the operational achievements and the continued development of the war against the Hamas terrorist organization.

The prime minister expressed his appreciation for the determination and professionalism of the commanders and the soldiers in the field, in particular, for eliminating most of Hamas' military forces. 

“Our soldiers and commanders are doing amazing work. I would like to specially note the reservists and their families, who are giving them great backing. They are doing more and more service here, round after round, and are achieving incredible results for the people of Israel. I salute you. The people of Israel salute you.” 

Channel 12 News reported that during recent internal discussions, senior IDF officials conveyed a clear message to political leaders that continued military activity in the Gaza Strip will likely endanger the lives of the hostages. 

IDF sources told Channel 12 that most of the primary objectives of the operation in Jabaliya have been met and the military can pivot to any other goals set by the political leadership, however, IDF leaders caution that expanding into new areas could jeopardize the safety of hostages being held there. 

The IDF will continue its operations in Jabaliya today.

On Tuesday, reserve Sergeant Major Roi Sasson (21) from Mevaseret Tzion, a soldier in the Nachshon Battalion (90), Kfir Brigade, was killed during the fighting with Hamas terrorists in the outskirts of Jabaliya. Another soldier in the battalion was wounded.