'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 dressed nation on Wednesday, asserting that accountability must be shared by all, including him, in wake of devastating Hamas invasion on October 7. This marked a notable shift, with Netanyahu acknowledging failures that led to tragic events and expressing a commitment to thoroughly investigate circumstances surrounding attack.

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

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

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

Escalation of airstrikes raises humanitarian concerns

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

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

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

US and or officials expressed concerns that fighting could escalate into a wider regional conflict, ding a layer of complexity to an alrey 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 range of considerations, most of which public is not aware of. And that’s way it is supposed to be. This is 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 failures enabling Hamas incursion, Netanyahu has been notably reticent, according to 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 Israeli leership.

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

“Israel is in midst of a fight for our existence,” he said, noting that 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 overall goal as “saving nation, achieving victory.”

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

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

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

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