Netanyahu Vows Total Control Over Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will do “whatever is necessary” to maintain control over Gaza, reiterating his firm opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Speaking at a televised press conference on Tuesday, Netanyahu said Israel’s authority extends “from the Jordan River to the sea” and that Israel alone will rule the area. Responding to questions, the Israeli leader—who has been found guilty by an international court—said neither he nor his country would ever approve a Palestinian state.

“I have heard claims that I would allow the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza—this has never happened and will never happen,” Netanyahu said.

He asserted that Israel would maintain full security control over the entire territory from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, including the Gaza Strip. According to him, this position reflects Israel’s long-term political and security interests and will not change.

Netanyahu said Israel’s objectives in Gaza include the complete disarmament of Hamas fighters and the military “liberation” of the territory. He warned that if force is required to achieve these goals, Israel would use maximum power. He also vowed to destroy Hamas’s weapons stockpiles and dismantle its underground tunnel network.

The Israeli prime minister made it clear that no reconstruction efforts in Gaza would be allowed until these objectives are met. “I am already hearing that Gaza’s reconstruction will be permitted before demilitarization—this will not happen. Security comes first,” he said.

Netanyahu also rejected any possibility of foreign troops being deployed in Gaza. “I am hearing talk of Turkish or Qatari forces being brought into Gaza—this will not happen,” he said, adding that no international security force would be stationed there.

He concluded by reiterating that Israel would retain full security control over Gaza and the wider region.