Netanyahu Visits Gaza Border, Declares Hamas Largely Disarmed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited an Israeli military post near the "yellow line" in the Gaza Strip on September 2nd, asserting that Israel will not withdraw from its current positions. He stated that the Israeli military now controls approximately 60% of Gaza's territory. "We control territory. We are not retreating. We are staying on this line," Netanyahu declared during his visit. He added that Israel will continue to eliminate militants it deems a threat to its soldiers and citizens.

Netanyahu also referenced a recent operation in Gaza where Israeli special forces captured the head of Hamas's internal security service. According to the Prime Minister, intelligence gathered from this operation could aid Israel in future actions against the group. He was accompanied by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Southern Command chief Yaniv Asor, and 99th Division commander Elad Tsuri.

The Prime Minister received a briefing from military officials on army operations near the "yellow line," ongoing activities, and measures to protect soldiers and Israeli communities. Netanyahu's primary political message was that the current troop deployment is not considered temporary. "We control 60% of the Strip, and this is not the limit," he said, linking the army's continued presence to the confrontation with Hamas.

Netanyahu outlined Israel's ultimate goal as the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza, stating that the territory should no longer pose a threat to Israel. He claimed that a significant portion of this objective has already been achieved.