Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the war in Gaza and on other regional fronts will likely last for several months. He also emphasized the need for Israel to control the border zone between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, specifically the Philadelphi Corridor. Netanyahu renewed his promise to eliminate Hamas and bring home all Israelis held captive in Gaza.
As Israel entered the 13th week of the war in Gaza, Netanyahu also issued a rare threat to attack Iran directly if Hezbollah expands the warfare. The ongoing conflict has raised fears of a wider regional conflagration, with tensions rising in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
Since the October 7 cross-border killing and kidnapping spree by Hamas, Israel has been conducting a relentless bombing and ground offensive in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians and displacing almost the entire population of the besieged territory.
Netanyahu indicated that the war is at its height and achieving victory will take time, with the conflict likely to continue for many months. He also warned that Hezbollah and Iran would suffer severe consequences if the warfare expands.