In his speech to graduating Israeli military officers on Thursday, Netanyahu conceded that Israel is under growing global scrutiny for its five-month offensive in Gaza, which has killed at least 30,800 people, the majority women and children, Al Jazeera reports.

However, he said Israel would not be deterred by the pressure and would press ahead towards “total victory”.

“There is international pressure, and it is increasing,” Netanyahu said. “But it is precisely when the international pressure increases that we must close ranks among ourselves. We must stand together against the attempts to stop the war.”

“Soldiers and officers, we are in the midst of a war that could not be more just,” he added.