Netanyahu Says "Existential Test" For Israel, Hamas Demands Prisoner Swap

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that the war against Hamas in Gaza will be "long and difficult", describing the situation as an "existential test" for Israel. "This is the second stage of the war whose goals are clear: destroying the military and leadership capabilities of Hamas, and bringing the hostages back home," Netanyahu said. "The war in the (Gaza) Strip will be long and difficult and we are prepared for it."