Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, delivered a resolute message on Wednesday, pledging unwavering determination in the fight against Hamas, characterizing every member of the Palestinian militant group as a formidable adversary.

In a statement that reverberated internationally, Netanyahu articulated Israel’s unyielding commitment to “eradicating” Hamas following the unexpected assault that unfolded on Saturday.

“Hamas stands as the equivalent of the Daesh (Islamic State group), and we will relentlessly pursue their defeat, akin to the global effort against Daesh,” he declared during a concise televised address, marking the first time he spoke alongside his war cabinet.

Prior to this declaration, Netanyahu temporarily set aside political differences and established an emergency government, which notably included the centrist former defense minister, Benny Gantz, as a response to the ongoing crisis.