Netanyahu to IDF soldiers: ‘What began in Gaza must end in Gaza’

Addressing the soldiers directly, Netanyahu said that the government had taken “very difficult decisions, decisions that no one believed we could actually implement.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a video message on Tuesday night to IDF soldiers about the next step in the war in Gaza, saying that “What began in Gaza – must end in Gaza.”

Netanyahu noted that the current war effort is focused on Hamas, but said that Israel has also “achieved wonders” against Iran and its regional proxies. “We broke the Iranian axis – in Gaza, in Lebanon with Hezbollah, with the Assad regime that collapsed, with Iran itself that threatened us with existential threats which we removed together, and now also against the Houthis,” he said.

The prime minister stressed that Israel is fighting “a determined and supremely just war,” adding that the government does not forget “for a moment what was done to us on October 7: the beheadings, the women who were raped, the babies who were burned, the hostages taken into the tunnels of Gaza. We are acting to bring them back.”

Netanyahu: Israel has made very difficult choices

Addressing the soldiers directly, Netanyahu said that the government had taken “very difficult decisions, decisions that no one believed we could actually implement.” He emphasized that these were carried out “because you gave us, and me, the strength to move the State of Israel toward decisive victory.”

“Now we stand before the stage of decision,” Netanyahu concluded. “I believe in you, I trust you, and the entire nation embraces you. With God’s help – together we will win.”

“I want to strengthen you and express my deep appreciation to you, IDF soldiers, reservists, and your families,” Netanyahu said. “I know you have paid a heavy price – at work, in your studies, and at home.”

The IDF is advancing preparations for a large-scale mobilization of reservists and an expected expansion of ground operations in the Gaza Strip, including a renewed push into Gaza City, the military announced on Tuesday.

The upcoming operation in Gaza City is considered a critical step in dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure. The city is viewed as the organization’s last significant stronghold and command hub within the enclave.

Netanyahu has already approved the IDF’s plan to capture Gaza City and simultaneously authorized renewed hostage negotiations. Officials say the objective is to conclude the conflict in accordance with the principles established by the security cabinet.

Notably, Netanyahu has told both the security cabinet and defense officials that a partial hostage deal is off the table and that he is only interested in comprehensive deals that would end the war on Israel’s terms.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir said last week that the army would continue until both of its stated missions are achieved: the return of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas. He added that the military is operating with determination and clear direction.

Amir Bohbot contributed to this report. This is a developing story.