Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel is “prepared for any threat”, Al Jazeera reports.

Speaking at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said: “Israel is prepared for any threat — both defensively and offensively. We are determined to defend ourselves, and we are also determined to exact a heavy price from any enemy who dares to attack us — from any arena.”

Netanyahu also said that Israel is adhering to its demands in ongoing ceasefire talks, positions that he claims are in line with the proposal laid out by the White House in May, Al Jazeera stated.

“We are conducting very complex negotiations, while on the other side stands a murderous, uninhibited, and obstinate terrorist organisation,” he said.

“Strong military pressure and strong diplomatic pressure is the way to achieve the release of our hostages,” Netanyahu added.