Netanyahu Vows 'Total Victory' Against Hamas in Joint Effort with US to Counter 'Iranian Axis'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has restated Israel's goal of achieving "total victory" against Hamas, framing it not just as Israel's war but also the U.S.'s battle against the "Iranian axis." Netanyahu emphasized the Iranian threat to close the Bab el-Mandeb strait, affecting global navigation. He thanked the U.S. for continuous support amid the conflict, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin affirmed unwavering support for Israel, warning against testing Washington's resolve. Austin mentioned a multinational maritime task force in the Red Sea to uphold freedom of navigation and discussed providing humanitarian aid for displaced people in Gaza.