Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a recorded statement, April 19, 2025. (Prime Minister’s Office/screenshot)
| Published April 20, 2025
PM insists fighting won’t end until terror group destroyed, derides ‘experts’ who say he could fool Hamas with fake promise to end war, get captives back, and then resume fighting
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his commitment to the ongoing military campaign in Gaza, stating that Israel has “no choice” but to persist until Hamas is dismantled, all hostages are freed, and the territory no longer poses a threat to Israeli security.
In a televised address on Saturday, Netanyahu emphasized that ending the war prematurely would allow Hamas to rebuild its military capabilities, posing renewed threats to Israel. He criticized Hamas for rejecting a proposal to release hostages in exchange for a ceasefire, labeling their demands as “capitulation conditions.”
Escalation of Hostilities and Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict has intensified following Israel’s resumption of military operations in March, including airstrikes that have killed over 90 people in 48 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. These attacks have led to the deaths of many civilians, including women and children.
The war has caused over 51,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, and displaced 90% of Gaza’s population. Humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate, with aid blockades causing widespread malnutrition. The World Health Organization has urged U.S. diplomats to advocate for lifting the blockade.
Domestic and International Reactions
Within Israel, public frustration is growing, with protests in Gaza against Hamas and large rallies in Israel demanding a deal to return the hostages. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and abducted 251 people. Of these, 59 remain in captivity, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.
Internationally, the prolonged conflict and rising civilian casualties have drawn criticism and concern. Humanitarian organizations and foreign governments have called for renewed efforts to achieve a ceasefire and address the dire conditions in Gaza.
Strategic Developments
In a strategic move, Israel has established the Morag Corridor, a security zone in southern Gaza aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas. This corridor, announced by Netanyahu on April 2, 2025, is intended to divide Gaza and restrict Hamas’s movements, thereby facilitating the release of hostages and the disarmament of militant groups.
Pros and Cons breakdown based on the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict and Netanyahu’s latest statements:
🇺🇸 Conservative POV: Pros & Cons of Netanyahu’s Stance on Gaza
✅ Pros
1. Strong National Defense Stance
Conservatives widely support Israel’s right to defend itself. Netanyahu’s refusal to end the war prematurely is seen as a necessary and resolute response to the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas that left over 1,200 Israelis dead. His position aligns with the conservative belief that peace can only follow the defeat of terrorism.
2. No Negotiation with Terrorists
The rejection of Hamas’s “capitulation conditions” is applauded as a refusal to reward violence. Conservatives argue that yielding to such terms would only embolden more terrorism worldwide.
3. Strategic Military Operations
The creation of the Morag Corridor and the targeting of Hamas strongholds are viewed as smart tactical moves. From a national security standpoint, these operations serve as a deterrent message to Iran, Hezbollah, and other state or non-state actors that threaten U.S. and Israeli interests.
4. Moral Clarity
Unlike progressive voices that often call for an immediate ceasefire without holding Hamas accountable, conservatives appreciate Netanyahu’s moral clarity: distinguishing a sovereign democracy from a terror regime hiding behind civilians.
❌ Cons
1. Humanitarian Backlash and Optics
While conservatives support the mission, some warn that the high civilian death toll could isolate Israel diplomatically. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is giving rise to international pressure, which might undercut U.S. support if public opinion shifts.
2. Potential for Regional Escalation
There are concerns that continued military operations might draw in other regional powers, particularly Iran or Hezbollah in Lebanon, leading to a wider conflict that could eventually require U.S. involvement—something many conservatives want to avoid post-Afghanistan.
3. Domestic Unrest and Protests
The war’s length and cost are causing unrest within Israel, where hostage families demand a deal. Conservatives value order and national unity, and prolonged internal dissent could weaken both Israeli resolve and the U.S.-Israel alliance’s optics.
4. Lack of Endgame Clarity
Some conservative analysts argue Netanyahu has yet to present a viable post-Hamas governance plan for Gaza. Without a long-term strategy, Israel risks a repeat of past cycles where terrorism reemerges after the withdrawal of ground troops.
🧭 Conclusion
From a conservative perspective, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s unwavering stance on Gaza reflects the kind of moral clarity and national security focus that many believe is sorely lacking in today’s global leadership. The insistence on defeating Hamas—not just containing it—sends a powerful message that terrorism cannot be rewarded, negotiated with, or allowed to regroup.
However, even among conservative circles, there is recognition that Israel must pair its military resolve with strategic foresight. The humanitarian crisis, regional tensions, and mounting international pressure present real risks—not just for Israel, but for its key allies like the United States.
Ultimately, conservatives see this as a defining moment: either the world stands with democracies that defend their citizens, or it caves to terrorist regimes that exploit civilian suffering for political gain. Peace through strength, not surrender, remains the guiding principle.
SOURCES: THE TIMES OF ISRAEL – Netanyahu: Won’t surrender to Hamas by ending war to get back hostages; can’t trick Hamas either
AP NEWS – Netanyahu says Israel has ‘no choice’ but to continue fighting in Gaza
CNN – Netanyahu vows to continue war in Gaza despite growing opposition at home
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