Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Cabinet on Sunday morning that the Islamist terror militia Hamas which rules the Gaza Strip must not be allowed to achieve a diplomatic victory after suffering a military defeat in the recent round of conflict. He made the comments against a background of renewed diplomatic talks in Cairo on Sunday meant to hammer out a long-term cessation of hostilities, even as Hamas officials declared that if Israel does not agree to their demands, it should prepare for a long war of attrition. “If Hamas thinks we cannot stand for a long period, it is mistaken,” Netanyahu said. “In the turbulent and unstable Middle East, it is not enough just to have more strength, you also need determination and patience.” The current cease-fire is set to expire at midnight on Monday, with officials on both sides expressing pessimism as to its extension. Read More
