posted 30th March 2025
Netanyahu Outlines Strategy Against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis in Government Address
Jerusalem, 30 March 2025 – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened today’s Israeli government meeting with a robust statement addressing what he termed the "three H's" – Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis – vowing unrelenting pressure on all fronts while dismissing what he called "false claims" about Israel’s approach.
Speaking at the start of the session, Netanyahu began with the ongoing conflict in Gaza against Hamas. "The military pressure is working," he declared, crediting a dual strategy of "pounding Hamas’s military and governing capabilities" while creating conditions to secure the release of Israeli hostages. He revealed that the Security Cabinet met last night and agreed to intensify this pressure further, a move he said would both weaken Hamas and pave the way for hostage releases.
The Prime Minister took aim at three accusations he labelled as "continuous lies" directed at his government. First, he refuted claims that Israel is not negotiating, insisting that talks are underway "under fire" and showing signs of progress. "Suddenly we see that there are cracks," he noted. Second, he rejected assertions that Israel refuses to discuss an endgame, outlining a plan where Hamas would disarm, its leaders would leave, and a voluntary migration scheme inspired by former US President Donald Trump’s proposal would be implemented. "We are not hiding this and are ready to discuss it at any time," he stressed.
Third, Netanyahu fiercely denied suggestions that his government is indifferent to the plight of hostages, calling such claims "Hamas propaganda" aimed at sowing division. He highlighted personal meetings with hostage families, including four last week, and insisted that a blend of military and diplomatic efforts remains the only proven method to bring captives home. "This is what has returned the hostages, not empty claims and slogans," he said, taking a swipe at media critics.
Turning to Hezbollah in Lebanon, Netanyahu described Israel’s stance as one of "very aggressive enforcement, without compromise." He said the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), under directives from himself, the Defence Minister, and the Security Cabinet, are executing this policy effectively. Placing responsibility squarely on the Lebanese state, he warned that it must prevent attacks on Israel from its soil. "We respect the Lebanese state and its military; therefore, we demand from them the things you demand from someone you respect," he added.
On the Houthis in Yemen, Netanyahu praised the United States, Israel’s key ally, for its "very forceful" response to the group’s actions. While noting Israel’s own defensive measures, he hailed the US intervention as a "major change" and underscored the value of such alliances. "We have an alliance with the greatest superpower in the world, which is lining up behind us," he said, leaving the sentence unfinished but implying broader support across multiple theatres.
Netanyahu’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region, with Israel facing simultaneous challenges from Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Houthi attacks linked to Yemen’s ongoing conflict. His address reflects a determination to project strength and unity, while countering domestic and international criticism of his government’s handling of the crises.
