WhatsappPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video in which he addressed IDF soldiers, both regular and reserve: “We are facing the decisive phase. I believe in you, I trust you, and the entire nation embraces you.”
“I want to strengthen and express deep appreciation to you, IDF soldiers and reserve soldiers, and your families,” said the Prime Minister. “I know that you have paid a heavy price – both at work, in school, and at home.”
“We are working to defeat Hamas,” the Prime Minister added, “but along the way we have worked wonders together because we have broken the Iranian axis; both in Gaza, both in Lebanon with Hezbollah, both with the Assad regime that collapsed, both with Iran itself, which threatened us with existential threats and we removed them together, and now also against the Houthis. But what started in Gaza must end in Gaza.”
The Prime Minister concluded: “Dear IDF soldiers, regular and reserve, throughout the war, we made very difficult decisions. Decisions that no one believed we could truly implement. But we implemented them because you gave us and me the strength to advance the State of Israel toward a sweeping victory. With God’s help – together we will win.”
With the final battle for Gaza set to begin, reports indicate a drop in reservists reporting for duty. Netanyahu knows most of these soldiers have fought steadily for nearly two years, and despite a partial deal on the table, has rejected it in part because IDF reservists are wavering more and more the longer the war with Gaza drags on. For Netanyahu and Israel, it is now or never. With Trump’s backing, Netanyahu knows he must send the IDF in for the kill or risk total abandonment by IDF reservists.
