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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Turkish and Qatari soldiers will not be deployed in Gaza as part of a proposed international stabilization force, while asserting Israel will maintain security control over the entire territory from the Jordan River to the sea.
"It is being said that we will bring Turkish and Qatari soldiers to Gaza. This will not happen," Netanyahu said at a press conference in Jerusalem on Tuesday.
The comments came as discussions continue regarding the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which would include establishing an international stabilization force.
Netanyahu said Israel is currently focused on two tasks: neutralizing Hamas weapons and clearing Gaza of weapons and tunnels.
"As I agreed with President Trump, there are only two possibilities: either this will be done the easy way or the hard way, but it will be done either way. Now it is being discussed that we will allow Gaza reconstruction without disarmament. This will not happen," Netanyahu said.
Regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, Netanyahu stated, "Israel will maintain security control over the entire area from the Jordan River to the sea. This applies to the Gaza Strip as well."
Netanyahu confirmed that all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, have been returned from the Gaza Strip, following the handover of the body of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli captive, on Monday.
Netanyahu announced the Rafah Border Crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt will soon open for two-way traffic.
"We will not prevent anyone's exit. There will be no open access. People will exit, and people will enter. It will be controlled in detail by Israel," Netanyahu said.
The Israeli prime minister said he did not know exactly how many pedestrians would be allowed entry daily, estimating "50 people plus family members."
Netanyahu warned that any Iranian attack on Israel following a potential US strike would receive a severe response.
"The Iranian axis is trying to regroup, but we will not allow it. If Iran makes a serious mistake like attacking Israel, we will respond with a force it has never seen before," Netanyahu said.
"The US is in constant communication with us. I do not want to say what President Trump will or will not do," he added.
When reporters asked about reports that he had requested Trump postpone an Iran strike, Netanyahu responded, "I do not intend to comment on my conversations with Trump."
Netanyahu responded to allegations that his adviser, Yonatan Urich, received money from Qatar to run a PR campaign for Doha.
"Yonatan Urich did not say a single word to me about Qatar. But I spoke about Qatar. I criticized Qatar during the war. I attacked verbally because I had harsh criticisms. And I actually attacked Qatari territory as well. I don't know what happened with Yonatan Urich, but I know what the judge said," Netanyahu said.
Asked whether he would take responsibility for the Oct. 7, 2023, events, Netanyahu replied, "Everyone will take their responsibility."
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