Netanyahu makes rare Gaza visit, announces $5 million reward for each hostage returned

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a rare visit to the city on Tuesday (Nov. 19) and said that Hamas will never rule again in Gaza. He also announced a $5 million reward for the return of each hostage.

Netanyahu also repeated his pledge to "destroy" the Palestinian militant group and claimed that Israeli forces have destroyed Hamas' military capabilities.

Netanyahu published a video on his X account in which he is seen wearing a battle vest and a ballistic helmet, as he says in Hebrew, "Hamas shall not return." 

The Israeli PM also talked about the Israeli hostages in Gaza and said the search for 101 hostages is continuing. 

In a big move, Netanyahu even announced a sum of $5 million as a reward for the return of each hostage.

"Whoever brings us a hostage will find a safe way. We will also give them a reward of $5 million for each hostage. So, the choice is yours, but the result will be the same. We'll get them (hostages) all back," he further added. 

After offering a reward and assuring a safe way out, Netanyahu issued a warning without mincing any words and said, "Anyone who dares to harm our hostages will have blood on their head. We will hunt you down and get you."

Netanyahu reportedly visited Gaza to get first-hand updates on Israeli operations in the territory.

The video also showed Netanyahu accompanied by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz. 

Netanyahu's Gaza visit came a day after he slammed the Biden administration for its policies against Israel. 

In his first address in the Knesset after the US election, the Israeli PM said, “The US had reservations and suggested that we not enter Gaza. It had reservations about entering Gaza City, Khan Younis, and, most critically, strongly opposed entry into Rafah.”

The Times of Israel reported on November 18 that Netanyahu also revealed in his speech in the Israeli parliament that he was told by the US to not react after Iran attacked Israel.

He further claimed that the counterattack by Israel on Iran in October damaged "specific components" of the Islamic nation's nuclear programme.

“It’s not a secret, it has been published that a certain component of their nuclear programme was hit in this attack," Netanyahu told the Israeli parliament.