PM reiterates opposition to re-establishing Gaza settlements: ‘Some of my constituents aren’t happy about it’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterates that he opposes re-establishing settlements in the Gaza Strip.

“If you mean resettling Gaza… it was never in the cards, and I said so openly. Some of my constituents are not happy about it, but that’s my position,” Netanyahu tells CNN.

Pressed for his plan for the post-war management of Gaza, Netanyahu again stresses that his priority is defeating Hamas, including its remaining battalions in Rafah.

Once Hamas is defeated, what we have to do is have sustained demilitarization of Gaza,” he tells CNN. Netanyahu says the IDF is the only security force capable of ensuring that there isn’t a resurgence of terrorism from Gaza for the forseeable future, asserting that the Israeli army will maintain the freedom to operate in Gaza after the war.

“At the same time, I want a civilian administration that is run by Gazans who are neither Hamas nor committed to our destruction,” Netanyahu says.

“The third thing that I would do is have a reconstruction of Gaza, if possible, done by the moderate Arab states and the international community,” he adds.

Arab states have repeatedly asserted that they will not assist in the rehabilitation of Gaza unless Israel agrees to establish a pathway to a future Palestinian state — something Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected.

“That is a realistic plan, and I have said so. Some people are not happy with it. Maybe they want to put in the Palestinian Authority that still teaches its children to seek the destruction of Israel. That’s not my position. I want a different future for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” Netanyahu claims.