In a recent news conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his stance on the ongoing conflict with Gaza’s ruling Hamas Islamists. As Israel entered the 13th week of its war against Hamas, Netanyahu emphasized the need for Israel to control the border zone between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.
According to Netanyahu, the Philadelphi Corridor, or the southern stoppage point of Gaza, should be under Israeli control to ensure the demilitarization they seek. He argued that any other arrangement would not guarantee the desired outcome.
Israel’s objective in the conflict is to destroy Hamas in Gaza, demilitarize the territory, and deradicalize it to prevent a recurrence of past incidents. The war has not only impacted Gaza but has also led to increased violence in the occupied West Bank and triggered attacks by Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
Netanyahu acknowledged the intensity of the current conflict, stating that achieving victory would take time. He cited the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) chief of staff, who predicted that the war would continue for many more months.
In a rare move, Netanyahu issued a direct threat to Iran, indicating that if Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran, expands the warfare, both Hezbollah and Iran would face severe consequences. However, he did not provide specific details about the potential actions against Iran.
The situation remains complex and volatile, with ongoing clashes across multiple fronts, including the Israel-Lebanon border. Netanyahu’s remarks shed light on Israel’s strategic goals in the conflict and the challenges they anticipate in the coming months.
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