Netanyahu Insists Hamas Must Be Disarmed Before Gaza Reconstruction

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded to reports of a shift in American policy towards Gaza, neither confirming nor denying the claims but asserting that reconstruction of the territory cannot proceed without Hamas being stripped of its weapons. The comments come amid ongoing discussions between Israeli and US officials about the future governance and rebuilding of Gaza following months of military operations.Addressing the Palestinian population in Gaza, Netanyahu stated that those wishing to leave would be permitted to do so, whilst those remaining would not be allowed to pose a threat to Israel. The remarks suggest a hardening of Israel’s position on the conditions necessary for any post-conflict settlement in the territory.Netanyahu also dismissed reports that US President Donald Trump had requested Israel halt operations against tunnel networks in Lebanon, characterising such claims as “fake news.” The denial comes as Israel has conducted extensive military operations in southern Lebanon targeting infrastructure attributed to Hezbollah.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.