Widespread support among Israelis for the ceasefire is unlikely to translate into votes for Likud, survey shows
Gaza ceasefire deal – live updates
Benjamin Netanyahu repeated his pledge to force Hamas to disarm on Friday in a defiant and combative speech, just an hour after a ceasefire began in Gaza.
In a televised address, Israel’s prime minister said he had resisted intense domestic and international pressure to achieve his aim of ensuring “the security of Israel”, lambasted his critics and reiterated a threat to return to war if necessary.
“Hamas agreed to the deal only when it felt the sword resting on its neck and it is still on its neck … Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarised … If this is achieved the easy way, so much the better. And if not, it will be achieved the hard way.,” Netanyahu said.
