Jerusalem, April 19, 2025 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a powerful national address Saturday evening, vowing that Israel will not bow to Hamas’s demands and will press on with the war in Gaza until every one of its objectives is achieved — including the complete dismantling of Hamas, safe return of all hostages, and ensuring long-term Israeli security.
Netanyahu began his address with a solemn tribute to Warrant Officer G’haleb Nasser, who was killed in combat in the Gaza Strip earlier in the day. He extended condolences to the fallen soldier’s family and wished a swift recovery to the wounded, praising the heroism of Israel’s armed forces.
The Prime Minister reiterated his directive to the IDF to intensify military pressure on Hamas, describing the ongoing war as one of national redemption across seven fronts. He declared that despite the painful cost in lives, surrender is not an option.
“If we stop now, everything we’ve achieved will be lost. We must fight on — not just for our safety, but for our future,” Netanyahu emphasized.
In a strongly worded rebuke of critics urging a ceasefire, Netanyahu said such a move would mean accepting Hamas’s unacceptable terms, which include a total Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, retaining Hamas’s regime, and billions in aid to rearm — conditions he labeled a “surrender” that would invite future massacres like October 7.
He warned that Hamas is already preparing future attacks, and leaving its leadership intact would be a catastrophic win for Iran, which backs the terror group.
Netanyahu stressed that he would not relent in his efforts to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, dismissing critics as hypocrites who once opposed his decisive actions against Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Addressing the hostage crisis, Netanyahu revealed that 196 hostages have been recovered so far — 147 alive — and 24 living and 35 deceased hostages remain in Gaza. He promised to bring every one of them home without caving to Hamas’s demands.
“I understand the pain of the hostage families. My wife and I continue to meet with them, and I assure them — and the nation — we will not give up on even one of our people,” he said.
He also denounced those in Israel who echo Hamas’s rhetoric, warning that it fuels psychological warfare and undermines the hostage release efforts.
As Israel transitions from the Passover festival to Maimouna, and prepares for the Days of Remembrance and Independence, Netanyahu concluded his speech with a call for unity:
“We face enormous challenges — but with faith, courage, and the spirit of our people, we will overcome. Together we will stand, we will fight, and — with G-d’s help — we will win.”
Tags: Netanyahu Speech 2025, Israel Gaza War, Hamas Hostage Crisis, IDF Gaza Offensive, Israel War Update, Benjamin Netanyahu News, Iran Nuclear Threat, Israel Hamas Conflict, October 7 Attack, Israeli Hostages in Gaza
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