Israeli press review: Netanyahu says wars will never end

What Happened

In a Channel 14 News interview on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's wars across the Middle East 'never end,' rejecting the notion that military operations are winding down. He cited the assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders and the occupation of parts of Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria as 'tremendous accomplishments,' and stated that Israel 'broke the barrier of fear' by attacking Iran. When asked about the 'total victory' goal he coined after 7 October 2023, Netanyahu replied 'it never ends.' He also addressed the 'voluntary emigration' of Gaza's residents—a term used for Palestinian expulsion—saying 'I prefer to talk less and do more,' and gave a similar non-answer on Jewish settlement in Gaza, citing international pressure. During the interview, he prompted applause by asking 'isn’t anyone applauding?' after claiming nobody believed Israel could achieve its war goals. Separately, an education ministry poll reported by Haaretz found that in 2025, 52% of students from religious schools and 35% from secular schools believe some groups—like Palestinian citizens—do not deserve to be part of Israeli society. A Reichman University study of ~2,500 reservist families, cited by Ynet, found 75% of children under seven exhibit sub-clinical PTSD symptoms and nearly 32% show clinical PTSD; 35% of fathers and 42% of mothers also show post-traumatic stress.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Netanyahu's explicit rejection of an endpoint to Israel's wars signals a prolonged military posture across multiple fronts, undermining ceasefire prospects and normalization efforts. His cryptic references to 'voluntary emigration' and settlement in Gaza, despite international pressure, suggest continued or expanded policies that could alter Gaza's demography and deepen the conflict. Domestically, the polling data and mental health crisis reveal a society increasingly radicalised and traumatised, with long-term consequences for social cohesion and political stability ahead of student elections in October.

Watch For

Possible Israeli government actions on 'voluntary emigration' from Gaza and new settlement initiatives, despite international pushback. Student elections in October may reflect and amplify the documented rise in racist and nationalist attitudes. The mental health crisis among reservist families could fuel domestic political pressure for war termination or, conversely, for expanded support to the war effort, as the human toll becomes more evident.