Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Wednesday to destroy Hamas “down to its very foundations” and emphasized Israel’s strategic vision for expanding its energy sector as ceasefire talks with the terrorist group reportedly remain ongoing.

Speaking during a visit to the southern city of Ashkelon, where he toured the Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline Company (EAPC), Netanyahu declared, “There will be no more Hamas. It’s over. We will free all of our hostages, and we will eliminate Hamas down to its very foundations.”

His remarks marked his first public comments since U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a new proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.

Anticipating skepticism over whether Israel could both defeat Hamas and secure the release of the remaining hostages, Netanyahu dismissed the perceived contradiction, according to JNS. “Some say these are opposing goals – what nonsense. It works together. We will complete it together,” he said, receiving applause from those in attendance.

The prime minister’s visit focused largely on Israel’s long-term energy strategy.

Touring EAPC’s infrastructure, which transports oil from Eilat to Ashkelon, Netanyahu received briefings from company CEO Amit Shaked and met with senior officials in the Israeli energy sector.

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