Netanyahu in Meeting with Sullivan: War with Hamas Will Continue Until 'Absolute Victory'

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, said on Thursday, December 14, during a meeting with Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, in Israel that the war with Hamas will continue until 'absolute victory.' The Israeli Prime Minister's office released a statement saying that Mr. Netanyahu discussed regional threats, including from Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, the guarantee of the return of hostages taken by Hamas, and the continued delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza. According to this statement, the Israeli Prime Minister told his 'American friends' that 'our heroic fighters did not lose their lives in vain. From the deep pain caused by their deaths, we are more determined than ever to continue the war until the elimination of Hamas [and] absolute victory.' Yoav Galant, Israel's Defense Minister, also stated in the meeting with the U.S. National Security Advisor that the war with Hamas will require a long period of time, lasting more than a few months, but that Israel will prevail and destroy Hamas. Jake Sullivan traveled to Israel with the aim of trying to reduce Palestinian civilian casualties. U.S. President Joe Biden had said on Tuesday, December 12, that Israel is losing support due to indiscriminate bombing in Gaza and that Benjamin Netanyahu needs to change his hardline cabinet. Earlier, John Kirby, the Strategic Communications Coordinator at the U.S. National Security Council, had stated that during Mr. Sullivan's visit on Thursday and Friday, he would negotiate with Israeli officials for more 'planned' attacks against Hamas and ways to reduce civilian casualties. On Wednesday, Jake Sullivan also met with Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, to discuss regional issues, including the conflicts in Gaza. Additionally, it is noted that Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants killed at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in their October 7 attack on Israel and took about 240 hostages, including children, women, and the elderly. Some of the hostages, except for 135 who are likely not alive, were released during a one-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Canada, Australia, and several other countries have classified Hamas as a terrorist organization. The U.S. has sanctioned several individuals linked to the Quds Force and Palestinian militant groups.