Jerusalem (HRNW)- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a detailed press conference outlining his plan for the future of Gaza. He stated that the Israeli army will maintain security control over the entire area from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean, including Gaza, until Hamas is fully disarmed and its military infrastructure, including tunnels, is eliminated.
Netanyahu emphasized that Gaza reconstruction will only proceed after Hamas is neutralized, and he ruled out the creation of an independent Palestinian state. He also clarified that Qatar and Turkey will have no military role in Gaza and that Israel is monitoring the technocratic committee managing Gaza’s civil administration to exclude Hamas military affiliates.
The press conference coincided with the return of the last Israeli hostage killed in Gaza, Ron Gweli, marking the completion of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, in which all living hostages were returned and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners released. Netanyahu said the Rafah crossing with Egypt would open soon for people, but not goods, with strict checks in place.
Netanyahu also addressed domestic issues, expressing confidence that Israel does not need new elections despite political disagreements and hoping the budget and military exemption bill for Jewish religious students will pass. He added that Hamas’ responsibility for the October 7, 2023, attacks will be determined after the investigative commission reports its findings.
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