Israeli PM accuses Western allies of rewarding Hamas and defends military offensive in Gaza, reiterating Israel’s push for “total victory” and rejecting premature ceasefire demands.
Tel Aviv [Israel], May 20:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday launched a scathing attack on the governments of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, accusing them of undermining Israel’s war effort in Gaza and rewarding Hamas for the October 7 terror attacks.
In a strongly-worded statement posted on X, Netanyahu responded to the joint condemnation by the three Western nations over Israel’s latest offensive in Gaza—Operation Gideon’s Chariots—by declaring that Israel would not halt its military campaign until “total victory” is achieved.
“This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved,” Netanyahu wrote, rejecting calls for a ceasefire and warning that Western appeasement would only invite further bloodshed.
“Rewarding Genocide”: Netanyahu’s Fierce Rebuke
Netanyahu accused the leaders of London, Ottawa, and Paris of effectively rewarding Hamas’s “genocidal” October 7 attacks by opposing Israel’s continued military action and advocating for a Palestinian state.
“By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed, and by demanding a Palestinian state, these leaders are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel… while inviting more such atrocities,” he said.
War Origins & Preconditions for Peace
Recalling the events of October 7, Netanyahu reiterated that the war was not initiated by Israel, but by Hamas militants who, he said, “murdered 1,200 innocent people and abducted over 250 more into the dungeons of Gaza.”
He outlined Israel’s conditions for ending the war:
- Release of all hostages
- Disarmament of Hamas
- Exile of Hamas leadership
- Complete demilitarisation of Gaza
“The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled, and Gaza is demilitarised,” Netanyahu asserted.
European Response: Ceasefire, Two-State Push
Earlier Monday, the UK, France, and Canada issued a joint statement denouncing Israel’s renewed military offensive, calling the humanitarian situation in Gaza “intolerable” and criticising both the blockade on aid and settlement expansions in the West Bank.
They voiced support for US, Qatari, and Egyptian-led mediation efforts and reiterated their push for a two-state solution, warning of potential diplomatic consequences, including sanctions, if Israel ignores international appeals to halt its offensive.
Context: Operation Gideon’s Chariots
The controversy follows Israel’s launch of “Gideon’s Chariots”, a renewed offensive targeting what it claims are Hamas holdouts in northern and central Gaza. The operation marks one of the most intense phases of the war since it began last October.
While Israel maintains the campaign is essential for its national security, international pressure is mounting amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and rising global calls for a ceasefire.