Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a decision has been made for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip, including operations in areas where hostages may be held.
“We’re committing to free Gaza from the tyranny of these terrorists,” he said in a video posted on X, adding some Gazans had appealed to be freed “of Hamas.”
The Prime Minister’s Office told Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir: “If this does not suit you, then you should resign.” Netanyahu and Zamir have clashed over the war’s conduct, with tensions “reaching their peak” on Monday, Israeli Army Radio reported.
Netanyahu’s remarks follow months of faltering talks in Qatar between Israel and Hamas aimed at a ceasefire and hostage release, as conditions in the enclave continually worsen in what has been widely labeled a humanitarian catastrophe.
No official postwar blueprint was issued, but a December 2023 proposal seen by Euronews—titled “Gaza Security and Recovery Program”—was presented to the government, according to officials cited by the outlet.
Authored by the Israel Defense and Security Forum with the Jerusalem Centre for Security and Foreign Affairs, the 32-page paper envisions economic reconstruction, new infrastructure and “uprooting a murderous ideology,” which it calls “de-Nazification.”
The proposal excludes Palestinian sovereignty, the Palestinian Authority’s role in Gaza, and UNRWA’s provision of aid. It does not state whether Israel would annex the territory but calls for a greater Israel Defense Forces role in administration. A senior government official and coalition lawmakers Ohad Tal and Simcha Rothman said the paper reflects options the government is considering, while stressing it is not finalized.
Netanyahu’s stance contrasts with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s comment to Euronews last month that Israel has no intention of controlling Gaza long term.
Netanyahu also said Israel would implement “President Trump’s plan,” allowing Gaza residents who want to leave to do so—a notion that regional governments and humanitarian groups condemned as forced resettlement in violation of international law.
Trump’s “plan” envisioned redeveloping Gaza as the “Riviera of the Middle East,” with luxury hotels and malls.
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Source: Euronews, Associated Press