Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat down for an interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on February 25, 2024, where he discussed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the international pressure on Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza, and his government’s stance on recognizing Palestinian statehood.

Netanyahu defended Israel’s military response in Gaza, stating that the United States would be doing “a hell of a lot more” if faced with a terror attack similar to Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The Israeli prime minister acknowledged that Israel is working on releasing the remaining hostages, but emphasized that Hamas is on “another planet” in the negotiations. Netanyahu’s three goals, he said, are to “destroy Hamas,” ensure that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel in the future, and to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

The Biden administration and the Israeli leader have diverged on the path forward in recent weeks, with the White House aiming for Palestinian governance of Gaza and a two-state solution in the long term, which Israel’s government opposes. Last week, Israel formally opposed recognizing Palestinian statehood unilaterally, preempting international pressure. Netanyahu touted the vote, saying “the Israeli people are united as never before,” while adding that “the policy is right.”

The comments come after Israel’s finance minister announced new plans to build thousands of homes in settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, following a fatal shooting attack by Palestinian gunmen. The Biden administration said the plan is inconsistent with international law. Netanyahu said that once the Rafah operation begins, “the intense phase of the fighting is weeks away from completion.” He has been meeting with officials on a plan to evacuate Palestinians out of Rafah and said that Israel has “gone to extraordinary lengths” to notify people in Gaza about incoming bombardments more broadly.

Netanyahu’s stance on recognizing Palestinian statehood and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas have been major points of contention in recent weeks. The Israeli prime minister reiterated his stance on Sunday, stating that unless Israel has “total victory,” it cannot have peace. He emphasized that Hamas must be destroyed and that Gaza must not pose a threat to Israel in the future.

The international community, including the United States, has been putting pressure on Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza and find a peaceful solution to the conflict. President Biden has taken a sharper public tone with Israel in recent weeks, while balancing support for the U.S. ally. Netanyahu acknowledged the international pressure but reiterated his stance on the conflict.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a long-standing issue, with tensions escalating in recent months. The ongoing violence and the high death toll in the region have raised concerns from the international community and calls for a peaceful solution. Netanyahu’s interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” provided insight into the Israeli government’s stance on the conflict and its response to international pressure.

The interview also touched on the Israeli government’s plans to build thousands of homes in settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which has been met with criticism from the international community. Netanyahu defended the move, stating that it is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the Israeli people.

The Israeli prime minister’s interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” was a significant moment in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, providing insight into the Israeli government’s stance on the conflict and its response to international pressure. The interview highlighted the challenges facing both sides in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict and the importance of working towards a better future for all involved.

In conclusion, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on February 25, 2024, provided valuable insight into the Israeli government’s stance on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the international pressure on Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza, and the Israeli government’s plans to build thousands of homes in settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Netanyahu’s three goals, which include destroying Hamas, ensuring that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel in the future, and securing the release of the remaining hostages, highlight the challenges facing both sides in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. The interview underscored the importance of working towards a better future for all involved and the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.