Prime Minister of Israel declares victory. “An evening of tears, but also an evening of happiness”
“It is an evening of tears, but also an evening of happiness (…), a historic event that some people did not believe would ever happen,” Netanyahu said in his address to the nation, delivered a day before Hamas is scheduled to release the hostages remaining in the Gaza Strip.
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Their release is part of the first phase of the ceasefire in force since Friday in Israel's war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The war that began with Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7 lasted two years. During this time, Israel also fought Lebanese Hezbollah, Yemen's Houthis, occupied part of Syria and conducted a 12-day war with Iran.
— Together we achieved great victories that amazed the whole world. And I want to tell you that everywhere we have fought, we have won, but at the same time I must tell you that the fight is not over, the Israeli leader said. He added that Israel still faces serious challenges as some of the country's enemies “are trying to reemerge to attack again.”
Netanyahu appeals for national unity
Netanyahu also appealed for national unity and putting aside disputes. He emphasized that Israel's victories also come with great opportunities. — Tomorrow we begin a new chapter, a chapter of building, healing wounds and, I hope, unity, concluded the Israeli Prime Minister.
The two-year-long war intensified political disputes within Israel. The political conflict between Netanyahu and his far-right coalition partners and the opposition was tense even before the war.
Earlier on Sunday, the Chief of the General Staff of the Israeli Army, General Eyal Zamir, made his statement. He said two years of military pressure on Hamas, combined with diplomatic pressure, resulted in victory.
The commander announced further actions to ensure that no threat to Israel and its citizens will arise from the Gaza Strip. He added that the military is still fighting a war on several fronts, which will change the face of the Middle East and Israel's security strategy for years.
