Netanyahu Visits Gaza; Defense Minister Reiterates Call for Emigration

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a military post in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, near the border separating Israeli territory from Hamas-controlled areas. During the visit, accompanied by the IDF Chief of Staff and other senior officers, Netanyahu stated that the objective of dismantling Hamas's military capabilities and demilitarizing Gaza, ensuring it no longer poses a threat to Israel, has been largely achieved, though further work remains. He asserted that Israel controls 60% of the territory and is continuing operations against militants.

Concurrently, Defense Minister Israel Katz spoke at a conference, reiterating his stance that emigration from Gaza is the only viable long-term solution. He claimed that a "migration authority" is prepared to facilitate this process by air and sea, but Egypt is unwilling to be a transit point. Katz suggested that 80% of Gaza's residents wish to emigrate, citing surveys, but Hamas prevents it, and no countries are currently willing to accept them. He attributed the delay to the need for U.S. backing, stating that former President Trump had "frozen" the emigration plan due to pressure from Arab nations seeking Israeli demilitarization in return.

Netanyahu's visit and remarks come amidst differing assessments of Israeli control over Gaza. While Netanyahu claimed control over 60% of the territory, Defense Minister Katz had stated the previous day that the IDF controlled 70%, a figure Netanyahu himself had echoed in recent months. The IDF reported that over 26 kilometers of tunnels have been neutralized since the ceasefire began.

Katz further elaborated on the emigration issue, suggesting that the U.S. backing is crucial and that the opportunity for military action will arise when Hamas fails to meet its commitments. He described approximately 70% of Gaza as "desolate" with no residents or homes, noting the significant number of tunnels that have been neutralized. He emphasized Israel's strategic control over Gaza, particularly along the Philadelphi Corridor, which prevents weapons smuggling, despite Hamas maintaining a presence in the remaining percentage of the territory.