Netanyahu: 'Terrorists wanted to eradicate us – we will eradicate them'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a cabinet meeting after a meeting with the visiting German and British foreign ministers in Jerusalem.

"I have just come from meetings with the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom and Germany. Last night, I spoke with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom and will soon speak with other leaders. I thank our friends for their support in defending Israel in words and deeds. They also have various proposals and advice, which I appreciate. Still, I want to clarify: we will make our own decisions, and the State of Israel will do everything necessary to defend itself," he stated at the beginning of the meeting.

"Today, the government will approve the 'Rebirth Plan' for rehabilitating settlements around the Gaza Strip. We are investing a very large sum – 19 billion shekels – in developing settlements around Gaza for several generations. We will invest in housing, infrastructure, education, employment, healthcare, and much more. Hamas terrorists wanted to eradicate us – we will eradicate them and establish ourselves. We will build the Land of Israel and protect our country," Netanyahu said.