Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the nation’s military actions in Gaza during a press conference on October 23, 2023. He referred to Israel’s use of force as “IDF” as “judicious.” He has repeated the message that his government needs to defeat Hamas in the wake of the deadly attacks of October 7. Netanyahu vigorously defended Israel’s military response, insisting that it has not crossed the line of self-defense. He underscored how the Israeli Jewish public mostly does not support establishing a Palestinian state, thinking that it would not lead to peace.
Netanyahu defended his government’s actions in the conflict, denouncing what he described as a “global campaign of lies.” He called for greater transparency by granting more journalists access to Gaza, while making it clear that access should be limited. He argued that recognizing a Palestinian state would not resolve the ongoing violence and stressed the importance of defeating Hamas to ensure stability in the region.
Defense of Military Actions
Netanyahu’s statements came in response to mounting criticism regarding Israel’s military tactics in Gaza. He continued to double-down on claims that the IDF is taking great care and precision in its operations.
“I think we’re actually applying force judiciously, and they know it,” – Benjamin Netanyahu
He repeated, almost idolatrously, that Israel must take such action to defend its people. He argued that countries such as Australia would act the same way if they were threatened in the same way.
“They know what they would do if right next to Melbourne or right next to Sydney you had this horrific attack,” – Benjamin Netanyahu
According to Netanyahu, the objective is clear: to complete the defeat of Hamas. Most importantly, he underscored that without doing so, there can be no enduring peace for the territory.
“Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas,” – Benjamin Netanyahu
Opposition to Palestinian Statehood
Unfortunately for peace, Netanyahu used that platform to vigorously reaffirm his opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state. He noted that the vast majority of the Jewish public is behind this position. He contended that a lot of people think that such a step would only inflame tensions even more, rather than contribute to a solution.
“Today most of the Jewish public is committed, is against the Palestinian state for the simple reason that they know it won’t bring peace. It’ll bring war,” – Benjamin Netanyahu
He dismissed talks of a Palestinian state as “misguided.” He went as far as to threaten international leaders for thinking about recognizing that state.
“To have European countries and Australia march into that rabbit hole…is disappointing, and I think it’s actually shameful,” – Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among certain segments of Israeli society that equate recognition of Palestinian statehood with increased violence and instability.
Media Access and Transparency
In an effort to counter negative narratives about Israel’s military operations, Netanyahu announced plans to increase journalist access to Gaza. This access comes with the knowledge that it will be closely monitored by IDF soldiers to maintain control over the narrative shared.
He stressed that this step is meant to “puncture the lies.” He feels he has a responsibility to educate Americans as to what is actually happening in Israel and Palestine during the current conflict. Environmentalists and recreation advocates are denouncing the limited, regulated access. They are concerned that it will misrepresent what’s really happening.
“We can talk about the ‘day after’ until eternity, no-one is going to go there unless we finish Hamas and we’re able to finish Hamas, and we will finish Hamas,” – Benjamin Netanyahu
In acknowledging criticisms regarding humanitarian conditions in Gaza, Netanyahu conceded there is a “problem of deprivation” concerning food supplies but rejected claims that Israel has instituted a starvation policy across the region.
“It’s not going change our position. Again, we will not commit national suicide to get a good op-ed for two minutes,” – Benjamin Netanyahu
