Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump about Israel's new Gaza offensive plans, the Israeli prime minister's office said on Sunday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his plan for a final sweep against Hamas strongholds in Gaza in the face of intense condemnation both at home and abroad, describing it as the best possibility for ending the war speedily and recovering the hostages alive.

This is not the first time the Israeli prime minister has called for one final military drive to dismantle Hamas and end the war.