Israel Increases Military Pressure on Hamas Amid Renewed Hostage Push

Israel’s Security Cabinet has voted to intensify military pressure on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday, declaring that the dual strategy of force and diplomacy is working to both weaken the terror group and create conditions for the release of hostages.

“Last night, the Security Cabinet convened and decided to increase the pressure, which was already increased, to further pound Hamas and create the optimal conditions for freeing our hostages,” Netanyahu said at the weekly Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem. He emphasized that the IDF’s operations are simultaneously targeting Hamas’s military strength and its governing infrastructure.

Netanyahu also pushed back on claims that his government is neglecting negotiations or the fate of the remaining 59 hostages still held in Gaza. “We are committed to returning the hostages, and we are working to return them,” he said. “The combination of military and diplomatic pressure is the only thing that has returned the hostages so far.”

The prime minister labeled three widespread narratives as falsehoods: that Israel isn’t negotiating, that it refuses to discuss a final ceasefire stage, and that it has abandoned concern for the hostages. He affirmed Israel’s readiness to negotiate terms that would see Hamas disarmed and its leaders exiled, clearing the path for future regional stability, including the implementation of the Trump-backed voluntary migration plan for Gazans.

This comes as Israel resumes its military campaign in Gaza under the newly designated “Operation Strength and Sword,” following Hamas’s rejection of a ceasefire proposal that would have extended the truce through Ramadan and Passover in exchange for releasing more hostages.

Israel’s broader security challenges were also addressed. Netanyahu praised U.S. efforts in Yemen targeting the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists, who launched another missile toward Israel on Sunday. He also reiterated that Israel will continue strong military actions against Hezbollah violations on the Lebanon border.

“The Lebanese state is responsible for what emanates from its territory,” he said, calling for Beirut to prevent future attacks while affirming Israel’s respect for Lebanese sovereignty and its army.

These developments unfold against the backdrop of the Hamas-led October 7 massacre, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. With multiple Iranian-backed terror groups still threatening Israel from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, Netanyahu’s message was clear: Israel will act forcefully to defend itself and will not be deterred in its mission to bring every last hostage home.

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