Israel Will Expand Military Operations If Hamas Refuses Hostage Deal, Defense Minister

Israel will expand its military operations in the Gaza Strip if Hamas continues to refuse a hostage agreement. This was stated by the Israeli defense minister on his X social media page.

“Israel's policy in Gaza, which is conducted by the Israel Defense Forces with the support of the political leadership, is clear. First and foremost, all efforts must be made to secure the release of all hostages within the framework of (U.S. President's Special Envoy Stephen) Whitehead's plan and subsequently create conditions for the annihilation of Hamas. If Hamas remains stubborn in refusing the agreement, Israeli troop actions will expand and move into new phases,” he noted.