'I am responsible...': Netanyahu faces tough questions as Israel gears up for ground assault on Gaza

In an unprecedented move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on Wednesday, asserting that accountability must be shared by all, including him, in the wake of the devastating Hamas invasion on October 7. This marked a notable shift, with Netanyahu acknowledging the failures that led to the tragic events and expressing a commitment to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

In his live primetime address, Netanyahu stated, "October 7 was a black day in our history. We will get to the bottom of what happened on the southern border and the Gaza-envelope area." His words indicated a departure from previous statements, signalling a willingness to take responsibility for the lapses that allowed the incursion.

"The debacle will be checked to the full," he added. "Everyone will have to give answers on the debacle — including me — but all that will happen only after the war." This commitment to accountability came with a caveat, emphasizing that the primary focus at present is winning what he termed "a fight for our existence."

Netanyahu said, “I am responsible for securing the future of the country. And right now, my job is to lead the State of Israel and the people to a crushing victory over our enemies. Now is the time to join forces for one goal: to surge forward to victory… with deep faith in the justice of our cause.”

Escalation of airstrikes raises humanitarian concerns

As Israel intensifies its airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, residential buildings have been reduced to rubble, and families are bearing the brunt of the attacks. Witnesses on the ground report airstrikes killing dozens at a time in levelled homes, painting a grim picture of the situation.

The surging death toll in Gaza has prompted fears of an impending humanitarian crisis. Medical facilities, already strained by fuel shortages and continuous bombardment, have been forced to shut down, further exacerbating the dire circumstances for the people of Gaza.

The conflict, now in its 19th day, has become the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for both sides. The Hamas-run Health Ministry reported alarming figures, with at least 5,791 Palestinians killed and 16,297 wounded. In the occupied West Bank, violence and Israeli raids have claimed the lives of 96 Palestinians and left 1,650 wounded since October 7.

US and other officials expressed concerns that the fighting could escalate into a wider regional conflict, adding a layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.

On queries regarding a potential ground invasion, Netanyahu said, “We are preparing for a ground incursion. I won’t specify when, how, how many. I also won’t detail the range of considerations, most of which the public is not aware of. And that’s the way it is supposed to be. This is the way, so that we protect our soldiers’ lives.”

Varied responses to responsibility among Israeli officials

While a series of senior Israeli officials have taken responsibility for the failures enabling the Hamas incursion, Netanyahu has been notably reticent, according to the Times of Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett have all accepted responsibility, highlighting a diverse range of responses within the Israeli leadership.

Netanyahu, however, has not taken questions from reporters since the conflict began, maintaining a stoic demeanour amidst mounting criticism. Despite this, he boldly declared, "We are preparing for a ground incursion." He emphasised the need for secrecy regarding the details of the operation, asserting that such discretion is vital to protect the lives of Israeli soldiers.

“Israel is in the midst of a fight for our existence,” he said, noting that the war’s two aims are “to eliminate Hamas by destroying its military and governance capabilities, and to do everything possible to get our hostages back.” Netanyahu described the overall goal as “saving the nation, achieving victory.”

“All Hamas members are dead men walking — above and below ground, inside and outside Gaza,” he said. “Together with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Minister Benny Gantz, the security cabinet, the chief of staff and heads of the security organizations, we are working around the clock in order to achieve the war aims until victory, and doing so without political considerations.”

In the latter part of his address, Netanyahu expressed a vision for the future, promising that the devastated southern kibbutzim and communities would be rebuilt. Acknowledging the estimated 200,000 people displaced in Israel, he assured that government ministries would provide support for their rehabilitation.

The PM revealed that Israel is enlisting the help of world leaders, emphasizing a changing global perception: "Hamas is ISIS, and ISIS is Hamas." He portrayed the conflict as a test for all of humanity, framing it as a battle between the "Iran-Hezbollah-Hamas axis of evil" and the "forces of freedom and progress."

As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches closely, with many hoping for a resolution that brings an end to the suffering and paves the way for a more stable and peaceful future in the region.