Netanyahu stresses no Gaza reconstruction before disarmament and no Palestinian state

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses concerns surrounding phase two of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, asserting that Israel’s political and security interests will be met.

With all the hostages returned, “now we are focusing on completing the two remaining missions: dismantling Hamas’s weapons and demilitarizing Gaza of arms and tunnels,” the premier says.

“As I agreed with President Trump… there are only two possibilities: either this will be done the easy way or it will be done the hard way, but in any case, it will happen,” he says. “I am already hearing the statements that we will allow Gaza’s reconstruction before demilitarization. That will not happen.”

“I am hearing that we will bring Turkish soldiers and Qatari soldiers into Gaza. That too will not happen,” he adds.

“I am hearing that I will allow the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza. That did not happen, and it will not happen,” Netanyahu says, with extra emphasis. “I think all of you know that the one who repeatedly stopped the establishment of a Palestinian state is me, together with my colleagues in the governments I have led. Even today and tomorrow, we will not allow this.”

“Israel will maintain security control over the entire area from the Jordan River to the sea, and that applies to the Gaza Strip as well,” he concludes.