Official statements from the U.S. Department of State or announcements by the Israeli government

Netanyahu: Ceasefire Temporary; Israel May Resume War with New Force and U.S. Support

Jan 18, 2025, 06:45 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the ceasefire in Gaza is temporary and that Israel retains the right to resume military operations if necessary, with full backing from U.S. President Donald Trump and President Biden. Netanyahu stated that if Israel needs to return to fighting, it will do so with "new means and with great force." He also mentioned that Trump has pledged to lift all remaining restrictions on U.S. munitions, allowing Israel to resume the war with "tremendous force." Netanyahu promised to meet all war goals and to bring back all hostages held by Hamas.