Benjamin Netanyahu’s first Hebrew-language interview since October 7 laid out his vision for a long, hot summer in the Middle East: continued fighting in Gaza, no permanent ceasefire to secure the return of hostages, and potential escalation with Hizbollah in Lebanon.
The Israeli premier’s unyielding outlook, delivered on Sunday in conversation with the supportive rightwing television station Channel 14, was met with cheers from the sympathetic live studio audience.
But his stance — the first detailed elaboration of Netanyahu’s plans since last month’s dissolution of a unity wartime government — will unnerve Israel’s allies and neighbours in the region, who are pushing for a diplomatic breakthrough to end the war in Gaza and contain regional hostilities.