Netanyahu Vows Intensified Military Pressure on Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their operations in the Gaza Strip. He stated that the IDF is not only seizing territory and destroying infrastructure but also targeting key corridors, such as the Morag Corridor.

Sharing a video on X, Netanyahu said, “Last night in the Gaza Strip, we switched gears. The IDF is seizing territory, striking the terrorists, and destroying the infrastructure. We are also doing something else: We are seizing the Morag Corridor. This will be the second Philadelphi, an additional Philadelphi Corridor.”

Netanyahu emphasized that pressure on Gaza will continue to escalate until the hostages are returned. “Because we are now dividing the Strip and increasing the pressure step by step, so that they will give us our hostages. And as long as they do not give them to us, the pressure will increase until they do,” he said.

He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to achieving its war objectives, stating, “We are determined to achieve the objectives of the war, and we are acting relentlessly and with a clear line and a clear mission. And with G-d’s help and that of our heroic soldiers, we will also achieve them.”

Earlier on Monday, Israeli lawmakers unanimously approved NIS 5 billion (USD 1.3 billion) for economic, infrastructure, and social development in Gaza border communities. The funding aims to support reconstruction and stability in the affected regions.

Under the newly passed law, the Israeli government will lead an accelerated seven-year recovery plan, reinforcing the Takuma Directorate’s role in regional restoration. While most funds will go to communities within seven kilometers of the Gaza border, NIS 1 billion (USD 270 million) has been allocated to cities outside the immediate border area, including Ashkelon, Ofakim, and Netivot.