Following US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s assertion that Israel does not have the right to hold Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reversed his earlier remarks that suggested a potential takeover of the blockaded region after Hamas’ conflict.
During an interview, the Israeli Prime Minister made it clear that Israel’s objectives regarding the Gaza Strip did not include any plans for territorial conquest, occupation, or governance after their conflict with Hamas comes to an end. Instead, his focus was on the necessity of having a “credible force” at the ready, which could potentially enter Gaza when circumstances demanded it.
The main reason for this readiness was to prevent the re-emergence of militant threats, particularly from groups like Hamas.
“We don’t seek to conquer Gaza, we don’t seek to occupy Gaza, and we don’t seek to govern Gaza,” he said. The Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of establishing a civilian government in Gaza, emphasizing the need to maintain stability and prevent tragic events like the one that occurred on October 7, during which Hamas was responsible for the deaths of approximately 1,400 individuals.
Statement by Netanyahu underscored Israel’s commitment to safeguarding its security interests while emphasizing that their intention was not to govern or control Gaza, but rather to maintain a strong defensive posture to prevent future threats and tragedies.
“So, we have to have a credible force that, if necessary, will enter Gaza and kill the killers. Because that’s what will prevent the re-emergence of a Hamas-like entity,” he further added.
