Netanyahu Declares Control Over 60% of Gaza, Vows No Retreat

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited IDF positions near the Gaza Strip's "yellow line" on Wednesday, September 2, announcing that Israel controls 60% of the territory and has no intention of withdrawing.

Netanyahu was accompanied by IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Southern Command chief Major General Yaniv Asor, and 99th Division commander Brigadier General Elad Tsuri. They were briefed on the operational situation and the army's efforts to neutralize threats and defend border communities.

"We control this territory. We are not retreating. We are staying on this line. We control 60% of the Strip, and that's not all, because we are eliminating terrorists who threaten us, and we are doing it constantly," Netanyahu stated.

He also commented on the capture of Muain al-Arbid, identified as the head of Hamas's internal security service. "Yesterday we took the head of Hamas's Shabak. We will surely learn something," Netanyahu said, referring to the captured operative.

The Prime Minister reiterated Israel's commitment to disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza, asserting that the goal of preventing Gaza from posing a threat to Israel has been largely achieved. "Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel. This goal has been largely achieved. We just need to finish the job, and we will finish it," he concluded.