Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a striking statement that could signal a significant shift in his government’s priorities. During a visit to a Shin Bet security agency facility in southern Israel, Netanyahu said that following recent military operations in Iran, “many opportunities” have opened up—including the possibility of bringing home hostages still held in Gaza.
“As you may know, many opportunities have opened now after this victory. First and foremost, to rescue the hostages. Of course, we still need to resolve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I believe we will accomplish both missions,” Netanyahu declared.
This is one of the first instances where Netanyahu has clearly prioritized the hostage issue over the defeat of Hamas—a notable change in tone and objectives compared to his previous statements.
Back in early May, Netanyahu had described defeating Hamas as the “supreme goal”, placing the release of hostages as secondary. He spoke of a “total victory” in Gaza as the central aim of the war.
However, his latest remarks suggest a reassessment of the Israeli government’s strategy, possibly pointing to a shift in the approach to the Gaza war.
Immediately after Netanyahu’s comments, the Headquarters of the Hostage Families Forum responded, calling for a comprehensive agreement to bring back all 50 remaining hostages and to end the fighting.
“What is needed is release, not rescue. That single word change could mean the difference between salvation and loss for the hostages,” the Forum emphasized.
Elsewhere in his speech, Netanyahu also said that “broader regional opportunities are opening up,” clearly referring to efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, through which Israel has normalized relations with several Gulf states.
