Israeli prime minister sets ambitious agenda against Iran, Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a New Year’s toast with the IDF General Staff Forum at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv. Accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief-of-Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, Netanyahu engaged in candid discussions with senior military leaders on Israel’s evolving security landscape as the nation ushered in the Jewish New Year.

Central to Netanyahu’s address was a resolute declaration concerning Israel’s strategic priorities vis-à-vis Iran, which he identified as a primary adversary threatening regional stability, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli Prime Minister's Office.

Prime Minister Netanyahu stated:

"We are in the midst of a struggle in which we are overcoming our enemies, and we need to destroy the Iranian axis, and this is within our means. This is what stands before us in the coming year, which could be a historic year for the security of Israel."

This unequivocal pronouncement underscored Israel’s determination to confront Tehran’s influence and disrupt its network of regional proxies and allies. Netanyahu framed this objective as both an existential challenge and an achievable mission for the Israeli defense establishment in the coming year.

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the extraordinary dedication and sacrifices of Israel’s current generation of soldiers:

"I would like to salute the great effort that you are making, the major successes you have brought, the great sacrifices and heroism of this generation, which many have eulogized and, in effect, negated its commitment and ability to fight. It has been shown to be a magnificent generation that has made many painful sacrifices."

Further emphasizing the broad scope of Israel’s security agenda, Netanyahu reaffirmed the commitment to comprehensive military objectives beyond Gaza, including the elimination of Hamas, the safe release of hostages, and preventing future threats from Gaza. He extended this focus to other sectors, highlighting opportunities to advance Israel’s security, victory, and prospects for peace:

"I would like to reiterate that we are determined to achieve all of our war objectives, not just in Gaza, or in completing the elimination of Hamas and the release of our hostages, or in ensuring that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel, but also in other sectors and in the opening of opportunities for security, victory and peace."

Concluding his remarks, Netanyahu stressed the indispensable qualities required to navigate the complex security environment ahead:

"In my view, this demands two basic qualities: Unity in moments of crisis, and determination in every moment. May we have a year of security, victory and unity."

By Vafa Guliyeva