‘Now Is the Time to Expand the Circle of Peace’
Before climbing his flight to Washington, DC on Sunday for a meeting with President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said ISRAEL held a historic turning point – ready to “extend the circle of peace far beyond what we could have imagined”.
On the tarmac of Ben Gurion airport, Netanyahu described the journey as strategic and symbolic, aimed at consolidating the recent victories of the Battlefield of Israel and accelerating a new diplomatic impetus. “We have already transformed the Middle East beyond recognition, and we now have a chance to bring a great future to the State of Israel, the people of Israel and the whole of the Middle East,” he said.
Netanyahu underlined his intention to personally thank President Trump for his “solid support” during the War of Israel at 12 days against “our mutual enemy”, Iran – a campaign he called a “formidable victory” made possible thanks to close coordination with American leadership.
“Iran had set the goal of destroying Israel. For years, we fear what we would do about Iran and if we could overcome Iran,” said Netanyahu. “Our heroic pilots have stolen in the sky of Iran,” he added, praising the efforts of the FDI, Mossad and the entire security establishment.
Netanyahu also highlighted Israel’s broader military campaign through the region, highlighting successful operations that have paralyzed Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon and delivered punishment in Hamas in Gaza. These fronts, he noted, had formed long-standing threats to national security-threats that the FDI, supported by the intelligence services and the wider security apparatus, have been died.
Recognizing that these successes bring new challenges, Netanyahu stressed the need to preserve the advantage of Israel and to remain vigilant. “This creates great responsibility and opportunities,” he said, emphasizing the obligation of Israel “to preserve the achievement” and to prevent Iran from renewing its nuclear weapons program.
Turning to the Gaza Front, Netanyahu recognized the substantial progress of Israel but stressed that the mission remains incomplete, 205 of the 255 hostages released – 144 alive, 30 fallen and 20 are still held – and have expressed its determination to bring each of them.
Netanyahu clearly indicated that Israel will not accept any cease-fire or hostage contract which allows Hamas to maintain control in Gaza. He stressed that the security of Israeli citizens requires a complete break in the model of violence that has tormented the region – more kidnappings, more executions, more invasions.
He said the only acceptable result is the total abolition of Hamas’ ability to operate, both militarily and politically. Gaza, he said, should no longer be a launch ramp for terror. “Hamas will not be there.”
The Prime Minister explained what he called “three missions”: the release and the return of all hostages – living and fallen – the destruction of Hamas’ capacities, and ensuring that Gaza never represents a threat again. “We have achieved and achieved all these things thanks to the courage of our warriors,” he said, as well as the resilience of the Israeli people and “following the correct and courageous decisions that we have taken thanks to the support of the citizens of Israel for the People’s Army”.
When asked if a hostage agreement is imminent, Netanyahu replied: “We work to conclude this agreement under the terms we have accepted.” He confirmed that the Israel’s negotiation team had been sent to Doha with “clear directives”, adding: “I think that the conversation with President Trump can certainly help advance the result we all hope.”
This visit will mark the third meeting of Netanyahu with President Trump since his re -election, with additional talks planned alongside senior administration officials, leaders of the Congress of both Parties and key political influencers.
American ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who told journalists: “I don’t want to make predictions, but I expect it to be a good visit to journalists:” I don’t want to make predictions, but I expect it to be a good visit. “”
Joshua Klein is a Breitbart News journalist. Send him an email to jklein@breitbart.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joshuaklein.
