Netanyahu Visits Gaza Border, Declares Control Over Area

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a military post near the Gaza Strip's "yellow line" on Wednesday, accompanied by top military officials including IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yiftah Omer. During the visit, Netanyahu received briefings on IDF operations in the area, ongoing missions, and efforts to neutralize threats and ensure the security of forces and Israeli communities.

Standing within Gaza, Netanyahu stated, "We are in control of the area. You can see Ashkelon from here, you can see all our communities from all directions: Sderot, Netivot, the kibbutzim." He asserted that Israel is not retreating and remains on this line, controlling 60% of the Strip. "We are eliminating terrorists who threaten us, doing so day after day," Netanyahu said, referencing the recent capture of a Hamas security chief. He reiterated the goal of dismantling Hamas's military capabilities and demilitarizing Gaza, declaring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel and that this objective has been largely achieved, with further work to be completed.

Netanyahu was joined by his chief of staff, national security advisor, and military secretary. The visit, which included footage of the Prime Minister wearing a combat helmet, aimed to project an image of Israeli control and resolve in the ongoing conflict.