Minister in the Israeli war council, Gideon Saar, stated that Israel is far from ending Hamas.

Israeli Army Radio quoted Sa'ar as saying: "We are very far from ending the Hamas movement."

Sa'ar added: "There is great importance for the continuation of the emergency government while we are still in a state of war."

He continued, "We are very far from the collapse of Hamas, and if anyone believes that there will be an alternative to Hamas' rule in the Gaza Strip while it is still standing on its feet, this simply will not happen."

He said, "We must remain committed to the goal of war and this government must remain and make every effort to overcome obstacles."