Netanyahu Declares Israel 'At War'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on the evening of October 7, declaring that Israel was 'at war' — not a 'military operation' or 'escalation' but war. He vowed to exact 'a mighty vengeance' on Hamas and said Israel would 'change the Middle East.' Defense Minister Yoav Gallant activated military operations and later (October 9) declared a 'total siege' of Gaza — cutting off electricity, water, food, and fuel. The war cabinet (including opposition leader Benny Gantz) was convened.