Netanyahu Vows No Retreat From Gaza Positions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) post near the Gaza Strip's "yellow line" on Wednesday, accompanied by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and other senior military officials. During the visit, Netanyahu declared that Israel controls 60% of the Gaza Strip and that Israeli forces will not withdraw from their current positions.

"We control the territory. We are not retreating. We are staying on this line," Netanyahu stated from within the Gaza Strip. He added, "We control 60% of the Strip, and there is more to come as we eliminate terrorists threatening us, which we do day after day." The Prime Minister was briefed by commanders on IDF operations in the area, including efforts to neutralize threats and ensure the security of forces and Israeli communities near the border.

Netanyahu also commented on recent operations against Hamas, noting, "Yesterday we took out Hamas's head of intelligence. We will surely learn some things." He reiterated Israel's objectives in Gaza, stating, "We are doing everything to achieve our goal, the dismantling of Hamas's military capabilities and the demilitarization of Gaza. Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel."

He emphasized that a significant part of this objective has already been achieved, but acknowledged that the work is not yet complete. "This objective has largely been achieved, and there is still work to be done, and we will complete it," he said. Netanyahu highlighted the control over the territory and its proximity to southern Israeli communities, noting that from his location, Ashkelon, Sderot, Netivot, and nearby kibbutzim were visible.