Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the Israeli military's intense combat against Hamas militants in Rafah, a southern city in Gaza, is nearing completion.
In his first interview since the war began on October 7, Netanyahu told Channel 14 that while the intense phase of fighting is concluding, the overall conflict is not yet over. He mentioned plans to redeploy some forces to Israel’s northern border with Lebanon for defensive purposes and to facilitate the return of displaced residents.
Netanyahu indicated that he would not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza but was open to a "partial" deal to facilitate the return of some hostages held by Hamas. This comes amid skepticism from U.S. officials and Israel's top army spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, who noted that Hamas is an ideology that cannot be entirely eliminated. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,190 Israelis and at least 37,598 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, killed since the war began.
Discussing Gaza’s future, Netanyahu said Israel would maintain military control in the near term and outlined a vision for a civilian administration managed by local Palestinians with external support. This administration would handle humanitarian aid and civilian affairs in Gaza.
In his first interview since the war began on October 7, Netanyahu told Channel 14 that while the intense phase of fighting is concluding, the overall conflict is not yet over. He mentioned plans to redeploy some forces to Israel’s northern border with Lebanon for defensive purposes and to facilitate the return of displaced residents.
Netanyahu indicated that he would not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza but was open to a "partial" deal to facilitate the return of some hostages held by Hamas. This comes amid skepticism from U.S. officials and Israel's top army spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, who noted that Hamas is an ideology that cannot be entirely eliminated. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,190 Israelis and at least 37,598 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, killed since the war began.
Discussing Gaza’s future, Netanyahu said Israel would maintain military control in the near term and outlined a vision for a civilian administration managed by local Palestinians with external support. This administration would handle humanitarian aid and civilian affairs in Gaza.
