Israel's PM outlines three war goals for Gaza in joint press conference with Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out Israel's three main objectives for the Gaza Strip amid ongoing military operations against Hamas.

During a joint press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump on February 4, Netanyahu firmly stated, "We will achieve all three," Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Responding to a question about his support for the Gaza hostage deal, Netanyahu emphasized his commitment to securing the release of all hostages, alongside two other critical war goals: the destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.

"I support getting all the hostages out and meeting all our war goals," Netanyahu said. "That includes destroying Hamas's military and governing capabilities and making sure Gaza never poses a threat to Israel again."

Netanyahu also expressed gratitude toward President Trump, calling him "the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House." Highlighting key U.S. policies during Trump's first term, Netanyahu praised America's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, the brokering of the Abraham Accords, and the relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.

"You've picked up right where you left off," Netanyahu remarked, crediting Trump for his leadership in facilitating the Gaza hostage deal.

He also acknowledged the U.S. President for lifting munitions restrictions imposed by the previous administration, ending what he termed "unjust sanctions against Israeli citizens," targeting settlers labelled as extremists, and for reinstating maximum pressure on Iran.

In a notable endorsement, Netanyahu backed Trump's proposal for the U.S. to assume control over Gaza, describing it as an idea with the potential to "change history."

"It's worth paying attention to this," Netanyahu stated. "It's something that could change history."

By Khagan Isayev