During a press conference, Netanyahu faced a question about whether Defense Minister Yoav Gallant consulted with him before stating that he would not advance any legislation on the IDF draft without resolving the issue of Haredi service to the satisfaction of all coalition parties.
Netanyahu is reminded that the last time Gallant spoke out without consulting him - a year ago, when the defense minister warned that national divisions over the judicial overhaul had entered the IDF and constituted a tangible threat to Israeli security - he fired him.
Netanyahu Addresses The Nation
Netanyahu avoids answering directly and emphasizes the negative impact of holding a general election during a war, stating it would result in defeat.
The IDF has a well-defined strategy for combat operations in Rafah, which includes provisions for evacuating civilians. This plan will be shared with the entire cabinet.
When questioned about the alleged comments made by US President Joe Biden, Netanyahu stated that the White House has denied the accusations. "Whether there were such criticisms, or discussions about them," he adds, "doesn't affect me at all."
When inquired about the actions of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir regarding prayer restrictions for Arab Israelis at the Al-Aqsa compound on the Temple Mount during Ramadan, Netanyahu mentioned that there was a preliminary meeting where Ben Gvir expressed his views, and that there will be further discussions at the beginning of next week.
Ultimately, the priority is to guarantee the freedom of worship while taking into consideration security conditions. There are no plans to restrict the freedom of worship for Muslims," he states. According to him, without Israel's control over Temple Mount, there would be no religious freedom for the three faiths.
Per Times of Israel, he mentioned that he has talked about his strategies for enhancing Haredi service with a number of Haredi MKs, and there are more connections in the works.
Almost 400 individuals involved in terrorist activities in the West Bank have been neutralized since the beginning of the conflict, according to his statement.
When questioned about the suggestion that he has become more firm on the terms of a hostage agreement for political motives, Netanyahu refutes the claim. "We are putting in all our efforts to secure the release of our hostages," he states.
However, he mentions that they are facing a significant challenge with what he perceives as unrealistic demands from Hamas. Netanyahu did not address today's incident in northern Gaza, which involved hundreds of civilian casualties surrounding a convoy of aid trucks.
Israel Seeks to Secure Hamas Hostages' Release
Israel is putting in continuous efforts to secure the release of its hostages, according to Netanyahu, who mentioned that it is still uncertain whether a deal with Hamas will be reached.
"To achieve victory over Hamas, it is essential to eliminate all remaining Hamas battalions in the center of Gaza and in Rafah," stated Netanyahu.
The Israeli military's proposal to initiate a ground operation in Rafah, where approximately 1.4 million Palestinian civilians have taken shelter, has faced criticism. Officials from various countries have cautioned that such action could result in a "humanitarian catastrophe."
When inquired about the alleged comment made by United States President Joe Biden, the Israeli PM mentioned that the White House has refuted the report and stated that it does not affect him at all.
Furthermore, Biden expresses concern over shooting at Gazans in search of food assistance, which could complicate ceasefire negotiations; 'assault' receives international backlash
Netanyahu also claimed credit for US support for Israel during the ongoing war, highlighting that despite international pressure to halt the conflict prematurely, a Harvard-Harris poll revealed that 82 per cent of Americans back Israel.
He mentioned that the widespread support provides the necessary strength to persist with the campaign until Hamas is eliminated. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 30,000, according to the Gaza health ministry.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group has resulted in the deaths of at least 30,035 people, with the majority being women and children. Additionally, 70,457 individuals have been wounded since October 7.
Israeli officials reported that over 1,200 individuals lost their lives in Israel following the October 7 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, with an additional 250 individuals being held as hostages.
