Netanyahu Has Intense Interview On ABC News
In a recent interview with ABC News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his country’s military campaign against Hamas, responding to criticism from President Joe Biden. The exchange between Netanyahu and ABC journalist Jonathan Karl highlighted the ongoing tensions in the region, as Israel continues its fight against Hamas, a terrorist group operating in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu began by addressing Biden’s comments, in which he referred to Israel’s military response as “over the top.” The Israeli Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for Biden’s support but also urged viewers to put themselves in Israel’s shoes. He reminded them of the unprovoked and brutal attack by Hamas that left 1,200 people dead and thousands more wounded, making it the worst attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust.
As the interview continued, Karl brought up the number of casualties on the Palestinian side, citing statistics from the Gaza Ministry of Health, which is run by Hamas. Netanyahu immediately urged caution with these numbers, reiterating that any civilian loss is a tragedy. He also pointed out that according to experts, Israel has managed to keep the civilian-to-terrorist casualties ratio below 1-1, a significantly lower number than in similar conflicts.
Netanyahu went on to refute claims that Israel has caused the deaths of a staggering 28,000 people, stating that they have, in fact, targeted and eliminated over 20,000 Hamas terrorists. He emphasized that his country has taken every measure to minimize civilian casualties, including dropping fliers, making phone calls, and creating safe corridors for civilians to leave.
The Israeli Prime Minister also discussed the ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas as a military force. He highlighted the progress made in eliminating 18 out of Hamas’ 24 terrorist battalions and signaled that victory was close. However, Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would not leave until Hamas is no longer a threat to their country.
When asked about the end goal of Israel’s military campaign, Netanyahu stated that the focus is on “mopping up” the remaining individual terrorists and making sure that Gaza is no longer a threat to Israel’s security. He also compared the situation to the fight against ISIS, stating that they do not have to kill every last terrorist but ensure that they are no longer a military force.
Netanyahu’s remarks emphasize Israel’s determination to defeat Hamas and ensure their citizens’ safety. He also highlighted the threat that Hamas poses not just to Israel but to the entire region, as it is a part of the Iran terror axis. The Israeli Prime Minister made it clear that they will not back down until Hamas is dismantled as a military force and Gaza is no longer a threat.
The interview also provided insight into Israel’s commitment to minimizing civilian casualties, despite the difficult circumstances. Netanyahu’s comments on the steps taken by Israel to avoid civilian loss, along with expert analysis on the low civilian-to-terrorist casualties ratio, showcase the country’s efforts to uphold humanitarian principles.
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, Netanyahu’s interview sheds light on the current state of affairs in the region. It also serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved and the devastating consequences of terrorism. With no clear end in sight, the international community looks on with concern and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.