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ConflictsMiddle East

Netanyahu defends decision to expand the war in Gaza

August 11, 2025

At a press conference in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the decision to expand Israel's Gaza offensive and to seize Gaza City. The plan is being condemned in Israel and abroad. Netanyahu spoke ahead of an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Gaza.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his government's controversial plan to further expand the war and to seize control of Gaza City, calling it essential to defeating Hamas. He dismissed international criticism as a "global campaign of lies" and insisted Israel has no choice but to "finish the job." Netanyahu described the new offensive as the fastest way to end the war.

The plan sparked a rare Sunday session at the UN, requested by France, Denmark, Greece, Slovenia, and the UK.

Melissa Kent Award-winning Canadian broadcast news and current affairs journalist