Netanyahu Sparks Outrage by Calling Victory Over Enemies ‘Supreme Objective’ Over Hostage Rescue

On Israel’s Independence Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stirred a national controversy by declaring that defeating Israel’s enemies takes precedence over rescuing the 59 hostages still held in Gaza. While he acknowledged the importance of bringing them home, he emphasized that military victory is the war’s “supreme objective.”

“We want to bring back all of our hostages. That is a very important goal,” Netanyahu said. “But in war, there is a supreme objective—and that is victory over our enemies. And that is what we will achieve.”

This marks the first time Netanyahu has publicly placed the return of hostages as a secondary goal, shifting away from his earlier framing that prioritized both defeating Hamas and freeing the captives equally.

The statement drew swift backlash, especially from families of the hostages. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a sharp rebuke:
“Prime minister, the return of the hostages is not ‘less’ important—it is the supreme goal that should guide the government of Israel.”

Their reaction reflects growing public frustration. Recent opinion polls suggest that a majority of Israelis support a hostage deal that would bring an end to the war in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s remarks echo recent comments by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also downplayed the priority of hostage recovery. “We need to tell the truth—bringing back the hostages is not the most important goal,” Smotrich said last week. “If we want to eliminate Hamas, they cannot remain intact in Gaza.”

Members of Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition continue to press for expanded military action, even in the absence of a ceasefire agreement. According to sources, the prime minister is set to meet senior defense officials on Friday as Israel prepares for a possible escalation in Gaza.

The prime minister is also facing growing pressure at home—from grieving families and disillusioned reservists. Earlier this week, public anger erupted again when his wife, Sara Netanyahu, was overheard saying that “fewer” than 24 hostages are still alive. Her offhand comment, made on a hot mic, prompted outrage and urgent calls for transparency.

“You sowed indescribable panic in the hearts of the families—families already living in agonizing uncertainty,” the hostage forum said. “If there is intelligence or new information, we demand full disclosure.”

Israeli officials have publicly estimated that up to 24 of the remaining 59 hostages are believed to still be alive. Sara Netanyahu’s remark has raised suspicions that the government may possess updated intelligence that has not been shared with the public or the families.

The backlash isn’t limited to civilians. Discontent is also brewing within the ranks of Israel’s military. Reservists have released public letters accusing the government of prolonging the Gaza war for political gain rather than national security. Many now openly question the true objectives behind Israel’s continued campaign.

As the conflict drags on, Netanyahu finds himself increasingly isolated—torn between international scrutiny, domestic outrage, and pressure from within his own political base. Whether he will shift course or double down remains to be seen.