Israeli PM refutes allegations he could have had Gaza truce a year ago
10/20/2025 6:25:00 PM
Speaking to Israel’s parliament, Netanyahu rejected accusations that he avoided getting a ceasefire done a year ago with Hamas and returning the captives from Gaza.
“Let me be very clear: some claim this ceasefire was on the table a year ago. This is not correct at all. Such a deal was never on the table. Hamas was never ready to accept a ceasefire and return the hostages in one go,” said Netanyahu.
“And the majority of the Gaza Strip now witnesses our presence, and this has been accepted by some Muslim and Arab countries. The majority of the Muslim world wants Hamas to give up its weapons.”
Netanyahu later told parliament that US Vice President JD Vance will arrive on Tuesday for discussions on “two things … the security challenges we face and the diplomatic opportunities before us”.
“We will overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities,” he said.
“Let me be very clear: some claim this ceasefire was on the table a year ago. This is not correct at all. Such a deal was never on the table. Hamas was never ready to accept a ceasefire and return the hostages in one go,” said Netanyahu.
“And the majority of the Gaza Strip now witnesses our presence, and this has been accepted by some Muslim and Arab countries. The majority of the Muslim world wants Hamas to give up its weapons.”
Netanyahu later told parliament that US Vice President JD Vance will arrive on Tuesday for discussions on “two things … the security challenges we face and the diplomatic opportunities before us”.
“We will overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities,” he said.