Israeli National Security Advisor: Hamas cannot be eliminated as an idea

Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi confirmed statements by army spokesman Daniel Hagari that the Hamas movement is an idea that cannot be eliminated.

In detail, the head of the Israeli National Security Agency, Tzachi Hanegbi, participated this morning, Tuesday, in a panel discussion at the Herzliya Conference at Reichmann University, where he received boos from the audience before the start of the interview, which was delayed because of that.

The protesters chanted: "How are you here when there are 120 people in Gaza? Their voices were not heard, and their families were destroyed."

 Hanegbi said, before the audience interrupted him: “There are three goals in Gaza, none of which is a priority. One goal is not more important or sacred than the other. The three goals are important, but the issue of the kidnappers comes first.”

Hanegbi threatened to leave the conference following the shouts against him, saying: "If you don't want to hear that, it's your decision. I will respect every decision you make."

Later, Hanegbi stated: “Hamas cannot be eliminated as an idea, so we need an alternative idea, not just destroying its military capabilities.”

Speaking about the negotiations to reach an agreement, Hanegbi added: "I am more optimistic today. There is enormous pressure from the mediators on Hamas."

Through these statements, the head of the Israeli National Security Authority repeats the statements of Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari last Wednesday, in which he said that the “Hamas” movement is an idea that cannot be eliminated, stressing that not all abductees can be returned by military means.

According to Israeli Channel 13, Hagari explained, “Hamas is an idea and a party, and it is implanted in the hearts of the people, and whoever thinks we can hide it is mistaken,” adding, “Talk about eliminating Hamas is deceiving the public.”

Hagari continued: "We are paying a heavy price in the war, but we cannot remain silent."

Hagari responded to whether September 1 is the date on which the residents of the north will be able to return to their homes, saying: “This is not true. We cannot set a date that we cannot meet... Any war in the north will end with an agreement, and the Israeli army must ensure that it does not The presence of Hezbollah forces on the border could put the population at risk.”

The army spokesman stressed that “every war will end with an agreement, so we need to determine the form of this agreement,” adding, “Security must be through actions. We are seeking to achieve it in Gaza and in the north. This is a major challenge that we will face.”