Israel's Netanyahu says protesters calling to end war 'strenthening Hamas'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that calls to end the war without defeating Hamas would only strengthen the group and delay the release of Israeli hostages. Speaking ahead of a cabinet meeting, he warned that such a move would risk repeating the October 7 attacks “over and over again” and force future generations into an endless conflict.

Netanyahu stressed that defeating Hamas was essential both to secure the release of hostages and to ensure Gaza no longer posed a threat to Israel. His remarks came as demonstrators filled streets across Israel, demanding an end to the war in Gaza and a deal to free the captives.