During a state ceremony at Mount Herzl, Netanyahu vowed that Hamas would never regain authority over Gaza, a promise that echoed the nation’s grief after the October 7 massacre. The memorial, a national day of remembrance, saw flags lowered to half‑mast as mourners gathered to honor 1,221 victims and 251 hostages taken to Gaza, 44 of whom already died.
Israel’s military campaign has already claimed 74,200 lives in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry, a figure the United Nations regards as reliable. Since the ceasefire last October, Israeli forces have killed 1,440 civilians, a number that shows the offensive’s scale and the human cost of the conflict.
Netanyahu’s speech also addressed Hezbollah, stating that Israel would continue to hit the group to "create an opportunity for peace" with a people who, he said, largely want peace. The Prime Minister added that Israel would not tolerate Tehran’s threat, calling the Iranian regime "weaker than it has been since its establishment."
The vow to target those involved in the October 7 attack and to press on against Hamas infrastructure comes as the Israeli government prepares plans for Gaza’s post‑war governance, a process that remains largely unresolved on the ground.
With the offensive set to extend into early April, the next phase will likely involve intensified strikes against Hamas positions and a renewed push against Hezbollah assets in southern Lebanon, according to Netanyahu’s statement.
The speech was broadcast nationwide, and Netanyahu’s words were met with applause from veterans and civilians alike, many of whom have lost family members in the conflict. The Prime Minister’s promise was seen by some as a rallying cry for the nation’s determination to hold Gaza under Israeli control, while critics warn that the continued violence could inflame regional tensions further.