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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel has no intention of permanently holding Gaza but laid out five conditions for ending the war.
Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem after ordering the expansion of military operations, Netanyahu repeated his claim that the goal is to “liberate” Gaza from Hamas.
Netanyahu said the war could end immediately if Hamas lays down its arms and releases all hostages. He insisted that controlling the remaining 25% of Gaza is essential for Israel’s security and for eliminating Hamas.
Netanyahu’s conditions for ending the conflict are:
He also pledged to set up secure corridors and increase aid drop points in Gaza to prevent a humanitarian disaster.
Netanyahu acknowledged differences within his cabinet over Gaza policy, hinting at disagreements with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Smotrich previously accused Netanyahu of losing faith in achieving “victory” in Gaza, while other right-wing members threatened early elections if Israel does not fully occupy the territory.
The prime minister admitted Israel is losing the “propaganda war” on social media, blaming automated accounts. He said more foreign journalists would be brought into Gaza and that the new military plan would be finalized soon.
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