Netanyahu Says Israeli Spy Agency Ordered to Target Hamas Chiefs ‘Wherever They Are’ – News18

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated the country’s resolve to target top Hamas leaders, instructing the Mossad spy agency to pursue them “wherever they are.” He made the remarks at a late-night press conference in Tel Aviv on Wednesday held alongside other members of the war cabinet.

This comes after a deal was announced on Wednesday allowing at least 50 hostages and scores of Palestinian prisoners to be freed while offering Gaza residents a four-day truce after weeks of all-out war.

Netanyahu made the comments after a reporter mentioned reports asserting that Hamas leaders including Ismail Haniyeh are “euphoric” over the war and expect to continue ruling Gaza after it ends, according to The Times of Israel. Asked whether the four-day ceasfire agreement could be extended by a few more, Netanyahu said there was “no such obligation.”

‘Living on borrowed time’

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant weighed in on Netanyahu’s remarks to say all Hamas leaders were walking dead men. “They are living on borrowed time,” Gallant was quoted as saying by the Israeli newspaper. “The struggle is worldwide: From gunmen in the field to those who are enjoying luxury jets while their emissaries are acting against women and children — they are destined to die.”

Earlier this month, the Israeli military said that they attacked Haniyeh’s house in Gaza. They said his house was “used as terrorist infrastructure and often served as a meeting point for Hamas’ senior leaders” to direct terror attacks against Israel. Though Haniyeh, the head of the group’s political bureau, lives in Qatar, the Israeli military said his home was “used as terrorist infrastructure” and “a meeting place for the organisation’s senior officials”.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu said the Israeli army will use the multi-day truce to prepare for the resumption of the war. “All of our forces will be protected during the pause and intelligence collection will continue,” he added. “The war continues. We will continue until we complete all of our goals,” Netanyahu said, listing those goals again as removing Hamas, returning all the hostages, and ensuring that whatever comes next in Gaza will not pose a threat to Israel.

(With agency inputs)