JERUSALEM / GAZA(The COW News Digital) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Thursday that Israel continues its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon to dismantle remaining Hamas capabilities and to protect Israeli forces, saying Washington is notified of actions but not asked for permission.
Addressing his cabinet, Netanyahu claimed that Hamas still maintains operational hubs in parts of Gaza, including Rafah and Khan Younis, which Israeli forces are targeting in ongoing clearance operations. “Wherever there are centres that threaten our soldiers and citizens, we will eliminate them,” he said, according to an official readout of the remarks. Netanyahu warned that any attempt to harm Israeli troops would be met with decisive strikes against both attackers and their organizations.
The prime minister stressed that the Israeli government keeps the United States apprised of military activity and developments, but stressed that Israel does not seek Washington’s authorization for operational decisions. “We inform our allies. We do not ask their permission,” he declared, underlining his government’s assertion of autonomous security responsibility.
Netanyahu’s comments come amid persistent international concern over reported violations of recently brokered ceasefire arrangements in Gaza and along the Israel-Lebanon border. Palestinian and regional officials have accused Israeli forces of continuing strikes that have generated civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure. Hamas, in its own statement, criticized the United States for failing to exert sufficient pressure on Israel to adhere to ceasefire commitments, saying Washington has not played an effective role in enforcing the truce.
Humanitarian organizations and international observers have repeatedly warned of deteriorating conditions in Gaza, where hospitals, aid convoys, and displacement centres have faced growing strain. Israeli officials maintain their operations are aimed at eliminating armed infrastructure and preventing further attacks on Israeli territory.
Netanyahu’s reaffirmation of unilateral operational authority highlights the delicate balance between alliance diplomacy and national security prerogatives amid an intensifying conflict. The comments are likely to draw further scrutiny from international partners, who have urged restraint and robust measures to ensure humanitarian corridors remain open.
Analysts say Israel’s insistence on informing but not seeking approval from allies may complicate diplomatic efforts to stabilize the ceasefire and secure expanded humanitarian access. As violence and retaliatory actions persist across multiple fronts, regional actors and global powers continue efforts to mediate and prevent a wider escalation.
The broader humanitarian and political fallout from ongoing operations is expected to dominate diplomatic agendas in the coming days as mediators press for renewed commitments to protecting civilians and re-establishing durable pauses in hostilities.
