President Trump stated that Hamas must be removed from Gaza due to the Oct. 7th attack, agreeing with Prime Minister Netanyahu that military action is the best approach. He acknowledged the risks to remaining hostages but believed Hamas would not release them voluntarily, ultimately deferring to Israel's decisions on the matter.
Netanyahu's plan to invade Gaza City and eliminate Hamas cells, though scaled back from occupying the entire Strip, faced opposition due to hostage safety concerns. The Prime Minister defended the operation as necessary to free the city and pressure Hamas, aiming for an end to the war only after Hamas is eradicated and a new civilian administration is established for Gaza.