Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged that Hamas will not return to power in Gaza after the ongoing war, rejecting any ceasefire deal that would allow the terror group to maintain control. During a visit to an Israeli military position in the region on Tuesday, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s primary goal is to dismantle Hamas’s military and ruling capabilities.
In addition to reaffirming Israel’s stance on eliminating Hamas’s rule, Netanyahu raised the stakes by offering a $5 million reward for each Israeli hostage freed by Gazans. This marks an increase from his previous offer, which promised “several million” for the return of hostages.
Netanyahu’s comments came as Israel continues its offensive in northern Gaza, targeting areas where Hamas is regaining strength. At least 97 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack remain in Gaza. Netanyahu stressed that Israel would continue efforts to find and return all hostages, both living and deceased. He warned those holding hostages, stating that any harm caused to captives would result in severe retaliation.
Despite mounting concerns from senior defense officials about the well-being of the hostages, Netanyahu has insisted that both the war and hostage recovery efforts can continue in parallel. These officials have cautioned that the ongoing conflict endangers the hostages’ lives and advised that negotiating a ceasefire with Hamas could be the most effective way to secure their release.
The prime minister’s visit to Gaza included an inspection of military progress along the Netzarim Corridor, where Israeli forces have set up a semi-permanent presence. Netanyahu’s statements reflect Israel’s ongoing refusal to negotiate any deal that would allow Hamas to retain any form of governance in Gaza, even as the survival of the hostages remains uncertain.