Netanyahu: The conflict in Gaza is having a significant impact on the Israeli military

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remarked on Sunday that the ongoing conflict in Gaza is having a severe impact, especially on the Israeli military, as casualties among soldiers continue to rise.

Netanyahu expressed the somber reality of the situation, stating, “This is a difficult morning, after a very difficult day of fighting in Gaza,” following the military’s announcement that 14 soldiers had been killed in the Palestinian territory since Friday.

He emphasized the harsh consequences of the war, acknowledging, “The war is exacting a very heavy price… but we have no choice but to keep fighting.” Netanyahu stressed the commitment to continue the military effort with full intensity until the objectives are met. These goals include dismantling Hamas, retrieving Israeli hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.

Netanyahu also warned, “Let it be clear: This will be a long war… (until) Hamas is eliminated and we restore security in both the north and the south.”

Since the initiation of Israel’s ground operation on October 27, the Israeli military has suffered significant losses, with 153 soldiers killed in Palestinian territory, including 10 on Saturday. This marks one of the deadliest periods for the Israeli army, which is also engaged with Hezbollah militants along its northern border with Lebanon.