Israel’s Prime Minister Says Every Hamas Member is “a dead man”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said every Hamas member was “a dead man” after the first meeting of his country’s emergency government.
Alongside him, opposition figure Benny Gantz said it was “a time for war”.
But the United States President Joe Biden said he had spoken to Mr. Netanyahu and made it clear that Israel must “operate by the rules of war”.
The death toll in Israel has reached 1,200. More than 1,100 people have been killed and 338,000 displaced by Israeli air strikes on Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel says the siege of Gaza will not end until Israeli hostages are released.
Energy Minister Israel Katz said no electrical switch will be turned on, no water hydrant will be opened and no fuel truck will enter.
At least 150 hostages were taken into Gaza during Hamas’s deadly attacks on Israel at the weekend that killed 1,200 people.
Read Also:
Israel Massing Troops at Border for Invasion of Gaza
On Wednesday, the only power station in Gaza ran out of fuel, meaning the territory is relying on generators.
Israel’s military said thousands of troops were ready near the border with Gaza for a potential land invasion.
As well as attacks by Hamas, Israel has also exchanged fire with the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon and forces in Syria.
Earlier this week, Mr Gallant announced a retaliatory siege of the Palestinian territory – meaning all energy, water and food supplies have stopped.
The formation of a unity government in Israel has been welcomed by ministers including Itamar Ben Gvir, who handles national security.
“Congratulations on the unity, now we have to win,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The announcement that Mr Netanyahu and Mr Gantz would work together comes after months of protests against attempts by the prime minister and his government to push through controversial judicial reforms.
