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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed concerns on Tuesday regarding Türkiye and Qatar's potential involvement in Gaza, warning against viewing these nations through "unrealistic expectations."
Netanyahu questioned both countries' "true commitment to Israel," stating that any cooperation must be predicated on full alliance status, according to an interview reported by Israeli media outlet Ynet.
Netanyahu issued a direct challenge to both nations, stating, "Are you with us or not?" Netanyahu explained that countries often have competing interests, but Israel cannot be naive in assessing partnerships.
Netanyahu articulated his approach to evaluating non-fully-allied nations: "Countries have complex and sometimes contradictory interests, but you cannot be swept away by illusions. If you can bring them completely to your side—excellent—if not, recognize who you are facing and don't choose rose-colored glasses. Take what you can take, but be careful not to risk any core interest of yours. This is how I approach countries that are not fully allied nations."
Netanyahu characterized Türkiye and Qatar's historical positions toward Israel and Zionism by stating, "These countries, certainly Türkiye, were, to put it mildly, very hostile to Israel and Zionism in recent years. It is unfortunate because there should not be a conflict between us. But we are looking with open eyes."
Regarding the Qatar-gate affair involving personnel from the Prime Minister's office, Netanyahu criticized Qatar's influence in the United States.
"I appreciate the help you have provided in returning the hostages, but I also recognize things that very much concerned us, and we would like you to move away from them and be a positive partner. I said this quite openly, and I say it again here," Netanyahu stated.
Netanyahu accused Qatar of problematic influence operations by stating, "I told the Qataris about their involvement in campuses in the United States and Al Jazeera, which poisoned the minds of billions."
Netanyahu elaborated on Israel's relationship with the United States, saying, "First, they said in Washington that Netanyahu controls America and its security policy, and then it flipped. America controls Netanyahu and Israel's security policy."
Netanyahu dismissed these claims entirely, stating, "None of these claims is true. Israel is an independent state. The United States is certainly an independent state, and we are partners. We are not a branch, not a subordinate force. We are an independent state, and we shape our security policy and act accordingly."
"We defend ourselves by ourselves, and we decide what is dangerous to us. If you attack us, we attack back, and if you prepare to attack, we go and eliminate you. We don't ask permission; we simply tell them. This is what we do, and that is fine. This is how it should be," he added.
Netanyahu also claimed Israel participated in formulating the Trump administration's 20-point plan for Gaza, stating, "We entered Gaza City, we placed the military knife at Hamas' throat in its last stronghold, and President Trump and his team, together with Ron Dermer, constructed a 20-point plan that effectively isolates Hamas."
"Hamas wanted to isolate us; we isolated them and achieved the deal," Netanyahu added.
The ceasefire officially took effect on October 10. Phase one of the agreement includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The plan envisions the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich indicated that Israeli military operations in Gaza will resume with increased intensity.
In an interview with Jewish News Service (JNS), Smotrich referenced U.S. President Trump's frequent use of military terminology.
"President Donald Trump frequently used the word 'violent,' so I love that word. It will be very violent, forceful and quick," Smotrich stated.
Smotrich explained that the absence of hostages in Gaza has removed constraints on military operations. He stated, "Now that we have no hostages there, there are far fewer restrictions: speed, sharpness, and decisiveness."
Finance Minister Smotrich emphasized that Israel will not compromise on demands for the complete removal of militant groups from Gaza.
"We are strengthening Trump's hand but are not willing to compromise on the demand to completely purge the strip of Hamas and other terror organizations."
"In the final result, there will be no Hamas in Gaza, and the strip will be demilitarized so that it does not threaten the State of Israel. If this does not happen in the right way, we will make it happen," Smotrich stated.
Israel has killed more than 68,500 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 170,000 others in military operations in Gaza since October 2023.
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