Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened Israel's martial law cabinet for the first time on Sunday, saying the national unity he represents sends a message at home and abroad as the country prepares to "destroy Hamas" in Gaza, he said.
The meeting, held in Tel Aviv, opened with a moment of silence in memory of the 1,300 Israelis killed in the unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7. Welcoming former opposition lawmaker Benny Gantz, who joined the government along with several members of his party last week, Mr Netanyahu said all ministers were "working tirelessly, in a united front".
"Hamas thought we would be destroyed. We are the ones who will destroy Hamas," Prime Minister Netanyahu said, adding that the show of unity "sends a clear message to the nation, the enemy and the world."