Netanyahu Visits Gaza Border, Vows Continued Control

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited an IDF post near the "yellow line" in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, declaring that Israel intends to maintain control over the territory it occupies. He stated that the remaining objectives are the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza to prevent future threats to Israel.

During the visit, Netanyahu was accompanied by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Southern Command head Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, and Brigadier General Alon Madmon, commander of the "Flash" (99th) Division. He received briefings from commanders on the ground regarding IDF operations, missions, and efforts to neutralize threats and protect forces and Israeli communities in the vicinity.

"We control the area here. You can see Ashkelon from here, you can see all our communities from all directions: Sderot, Netivot, the kibbutzim. We control the area. We are not retreating. We are staying on this line," Netanyahu stated, emphasizing Israel's ongoing presence and control.

Netanyahu further asserted that Israel controls 60% of the Strip and that this control will expand as Hamas operatives are eliminated. He highlighted the recent capture of Hamas's head of internal security as a significant achievement, stating, "We are doing everything to achieve our goal, the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza. Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel. This goal has largely been achieved, and there is more work to complete, and we will complete it."

Earlier, Netanyahu held a security assessment meeting in Gaza Division headquarters. He also met with Shin Bet operatives who led the operation, managed by the Southern Command and Shin Bet, which resulted in the arrest of Hamas's head of internal security in Gaza. Netanyahu praised the operatives for their "daring and successful" operation. He was also accompanied by his chief of staff, national security advisor, and military secretary.