Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the heavy fighting between the Israeli military and Hamas militants in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, is almost finished. This statement was made during his first interview with an Israeli network since the conflict with Hamas began on October 7.
Netanyahu stated that after the intense phase of the fighting ends, some Israeli troops will be redeployed to the northern border with Lebanon. This move is primarily for defensive purposes and to help bring back residents who were displaced due to the conflict. Northern Israel has seen regular exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Lebanese Hezbollah militants since the Gaza war started.
Despite the end of heavy fighting in Rafah, Netanyahu clarified that the war itself is not ending. He emphasized that Israel’s goals remain to return the hostages held by Hamas and to dismantle the Hamas regime in Gaza.
Netanyahu indicated that he is open to a “partial” deal that could facilitate the return of some of the hostages still held in Gaza, even if it does not result in the return of all of them. As per the Israeli figures, 116 hostages remain in Gaza, with 41 believed to be dead.
There have been doubts from U.S. officials and even within the Israeli military about the feasibility of destroying Hamas. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s top army spokesman, remarked that eliminating Hamas is unrealistic because it is an ideology, not just an organization.
Netanyahu provided detailed comments on the post-war situation in Gaza, stating that Israel will maintain military control shortly. He mentioned plans to establish a civilian administration in Gaza, possibly with the help of local Palestinians and support from regional countries. This administration would manage humanitarian supplies and civilian affairs, while the Israeli army ensures ongoing demilitarization.
Netanyahu’s government is under pressure domestically, two members of his war cabinet, Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, resigned earlier this month because Netanyahu had not presented a post-war plan for Gaza.
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In addition, tens of thousands of Israelis have protested against Netanyahu’s government, calling for early elections and a deal to secure the return of the hostages.
The conflict, which has been ongoing for over eight months, started with a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,194 people, mostly civilians. Since then, Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has killed at least 37,598 people, also mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Netanyahu warned that if his government falls, it could lead to the establishment of a left-wing government that might create a Palestinian state, which he believes would pose a significant security threat to Israel.
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