Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that a “total victory” by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip would mean a “fatal blow” to the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, but also to Iran and its allies.
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“Absolute victory is essential because it guarantees Israel's security (…). “A total victory will deal a fatal blow to the 'Axis of Evil', i.e. Iran, Hezbollah, the Houthis and of course Hamas,” he said after a meeting with soldiers, according to comments from his cabinet.
In the absence of victory, he further claimed, “the displaced (Israelis) will not return (home). The next massacre would only be a matter of time and Iran, Hezbollah and others will party here and the Middle East destroy.