Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his country will achieve victory in its ongoing battles with militants in both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
He also said Israel’s military “completely transformed reality” in the year since Hamas’ terror attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023 in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 others were taken hostage.
"A year ago, we suffered a terrible blow. Over the past 12 months, we have completely transformed reality," Netanyahu said during a visit to the Lebanon border, according to his office.
Israel's subsequent military offensive in Gaza following the October 7 attacks has killed nearly 42,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza.
There are also growing concerns that the conflict could escalate into a wider war in the region as Israel mounts a ground operation in Lebanon and vows to respond to a barrage of missiles fired by Iran this week.
Hamas military wing 'defeated,' Israeli army chief tells troops
Israel's army chief said his country's forces had defeated the military wing of Hamas.
Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi made the remarks in a letter to troops ahead of the first anniversary of the October 7 attack on southern Israel by the Palestinian militant group.
"A year has passed, and we have defeated the military wing of Hamas... We have dealt a severe blow to Hezbollah, which has lost all of its senior leadership. We are not stopping," Halevi wrote.
"This is a long war, measured not only by capabilities but also by the willpower and perseverance over time," he added.
"This is a war for our right to be a free people in our land," Halevi wrote.
Halevi also noted that "October 7th is not only a day of remembrance but also a call for deep introspection" and "a recognition of our failures and a commitment to learning from them."
Germany, the European Union, the US and others classify Hamas as a terrorist organization.