Netanyahu said his objectives include defeating Hamas, releasing all 50 remaining hostages and ensuring Gaza never again threatens Israel after the Hamas-led 2023 attack sparked the war. Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada and the European Union.

One former military chief said that Israel is "well over a year past the point where we could have ended the war."

Former Israeli army and intelligence chiefs are calling for an end to the war in Gaza as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hints at further military action and the government plots its next move.