Netanyahu: Israel Carried Out Strike on Hamas Chiefs, Urges Acceptance of Trump Peace Proposal

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed Monday that Israel carried out a targeted strike on senior Hamas leaders, hours after deadly attacks in Jerusalem and Gaza claimed the lives of 10 Israelis.

Speaking at a U.S. Embassy event in Jerusalem celebrating American Independence Day, Netanyahu said the strike was authorized following the murders of six Israeli civilians at a bus stop in Jerusalem and the deaths of four IDF soldiers in Gaza. Hamas later claimed responsibility for both attacks.

“At noon today, I convened the heads of Israel’s security organizations and authorized a surgical precision strike on the terrorist chiefs of Hamas,” Netanyahu said. “These are the same terrorist chiefs who planned, launched and celebrated the horrific massacres of October 7th.”

The prime minister stressed that Israel had kept its promise to pursue those responsible for the atrocities of October 7, in which 1,200 Israelis were murdered, hundreds were raped, mutilated or burned alive, and more than 250 hostages taken.

“Much of the world, including much of the democratic world, has shamefully forgotten October 7th,” Netanyahu said. “But I don’t forget, and Israel will never forget. There was a time when Jews could be murdered with impunity. Since the founding of the State of Israel, those days are over.”

Netanyahu suggested that the operation could help open the door to an end of the nearly two-year war in Gaza. He confirmed that Israel has accepted the principles of a cease-fire plan put forward by President Donald Trump, which begins with the immediate release of all hostages still held in Gaza.

“If President Trump’s proposal is accepted, the war can end immediately,” Netanyahu declared. “We can begin once again to pursue the expansion of peace in our region for the benefit of all.”

In an unusually direct appeal, Netanyahu addressed the residents of Gaza themselves, urging them to reject Hamas’ leadership.

“Don’t be derailed by these murderous terrorists,” he said. “They live in sumptuous villas while you suffer. They hide in tunnels underground and leave you exposed above ground as human shields. Stand up for your rights and your future. Make peace with us. Accept President Trump’s proposal. If you do, there is no limit to our common future.”

The prime minister also praised U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee and his wife Janet for hosting the July 4th event, quipping: “If we had five or six more Mike Huckabees, Israel wouldn’t have a hasbara problem.”