Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel to Maintain Security Responsibility in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will have “overall security responsibility” in Gaza for an “indefinite period” following its war with Hamas. This announcement highlights Israel’s intention to maintain control over the Gaza Strip, which is home to 2.3 million Palestinians.

During an interview with ABC News, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of Israel’s security responsibility in Gaza, stating, “we’ve seen what happens when we don’t have it.” He referred to the “eruption of Hamas terror on a scale that we couldn’t imagine.” Netanyahu believes that Gaza should be governed by “those who don’t want to continue the way of Hamas.”

The Israeli military has reported that it has divided Gaza in two and encircled Gaza City after a week-long battle with Hamas militants. It is expected that troops will enter the city within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Hezbollah has hinted that it could become involved in a more intense conflict with Israel if the Israeli attacks on Gaza continue. Naim Qassem, the second in command of Hezbollah, questioned the global support for Israel’s military actions and criticized the killing of civilians and children.

The Lebanese foreign minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, expressed optimism that a wider war in the Middle East can be avoided. He stated that discussions with Hezbollah and its Iranian funders have left him “less pessimistic” about the situation. He believes that the Iranians and Hezbollah do not want war.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 10,000 Palestinians, including over 4,100 children and minors, have been killed in the conflict so far. Israeli officials have reported 1,400 deaths in their country since Hamas launched its attacks in October.

Netanyahu has expressed willingness for “little pauses” in the fighting to facilitate the release of 239 hostages believed to be held by Hamas. However, he has ruled out a general ceasefire without the release of all hostages.

US President Joe Biden supports Netanyahu’s stance on not pursuing a general ceasefire at this time. The US and Israeli governments will continue to communicate about potential pauses for humanitarian reasons and possible hostage releases.