Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an address to the international media this evening (Monday) on the war between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization which began with the Hamas massacre of over 1,400 Israelis on October 7.
Netanyahu began: "Until recently, many believed that the promise of progress in the 21st century would allow us to move beyond the barbaric horrors of the past towards a better and brilliant future. Many believed that we could go about our comfortable lives and that evil will simply pass us by."
"It will not."
"The horrors that Hamas perpetrated on October 7 remind us that we will not realize the promise of a better future unless we, the civilized world, are willing to fight the barbarians. Because the barbarians are willing to fight us."
"Their goal is clear," Netanyahu said, "shatter that promising future, destroy all that we cherish, and usher in a world of fear and darkness."
"This is a turning point," he declared, "a turning point for leaders and nations. It is time for all of us to decide if we are willing to fight for a future of hope and promise or surrender to tyranny and terror. Rest assured, Israel will fight."
"Since October 7, Israel has been at war. Israel did not start this war. Israel did not want this war. But Israel will win this war," the Prime Minister said.
He said: "Today we draw a line between civilization and barbarism. God bless Israel, and all those who stand with Israel - but regardless of who stands with Israel, Israel will fight until this is done."
He stated that Israel would not agree to a cease-fire with Hamas after the massacre of so many of its citizens."Just as the United States would not agree to a cease-fire after the bombing of Pearl Harbor or after the terrorist attack of 9/11, Israel will not agree to a cessation of hostilities with Hamas after the horrific attacks of October 7."
"Calls for a cease-fire are calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorism, to surrender to barbarism. This will not happen," he said. "The Bible says, there is a time for peace and there is a time for war….. This is a time for war."
Addressing the hundreds of hostages who were kidnapped to Gaza by Hamas and other terrorist organizations, Netanyahu said: "A ground offensive does not guarantee release of hostages, but it makes it possible, by creating pressure on Hamas."
Netanyahu told the reporters that he does not intend to resign at the end of the war despite the failure to prevent the massacre on October 7, saying that "the only thing I plan to have resign is Hamas."