In his first news conference since December, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the entire Gaza Strip will eventually be under Israeli military control. The announcement came as part of a detailed outline of Israel’s latest military operation in the war-torn enclave. Netanyahu also laid out strict conditions that must be met before the conflict with Hamas can end.
Netanyahu: “We Will Control All of Gaza”
Calling the ongoing military campaign in Gaza an “unprecedented operation in the history of wars,” Netanyahu emphasized that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would not stop until full military control over the Gaza Strip is achieved. He said the aim is to prevent any future threats from Hamas and ensure lasting security for Israel.
Netanyahu stated that avoiding a humanitarian catastrophe remains a secondary priority. He explained that limited humanitarian aid would continue to be allowed into Gaza to prevent a total collapse, but added that this must be done without benefiting Hamas.
Hostages Still in Gaza
Netanyahu confirmed that 20 hostages are still alive in Gaza. “We have returned, so far, 197 hostages, of whom 148 are alive. Twenty are alive; we will return them all,” he said. However, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum had earlier claimed that 24 hostages were still believed to be alive. The fate of at least three hostages — one Israeli and two foreign nationals — remains a serious concern.
Conditions for Ending the War
The Israeli Prime Minister listed several tough preconditions for ending the war. These include:
- The safe return of all hostages
- The full disarmament of Hamas
- The exile of Hamas leadership
- Implementation of the Trump administration’s Gaza plan
For the first time, Netanyahu officially referred to the controversial plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The plan includes the possibility of relocating Palestinians from Gaza and transforming the territory into a tourist and economic hub — what Trump called the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Netanyahu said that such a vision could help bring long-term peace to the region, although it has drawn sharp criticism internationally.
New Military Operation: Gideon’s Chariots
Netanyahu introduced a new three-stage military plan called Gideon’s Chariots:
- Initial Phase: Basic food aid will be allowed into Gaza to prevent a full humanitarian disaster.
- Aid Infrastructure: American companies will set up aid distribution points in Gaza, designed to avoid Hamas interference.
- Population Movement: Gaza civilians will be moved south to controlled zones where they can receive aid safely, while Hamas will be blocked from accessing these areas.
Lebanon and Syria are Mentioned
Netanyahu also addressed regional tensions beyond Gaza. He claimed that Israel is enforcing a strict ceasefire along the Lebanese border and credited IDF operations in Lebanon for contributing to the fall of the Assad regime in Syria — a claim that has not been independently verified.
Netanyahu Denies Rift with US
The Israeli leader dismissed growing media speculation about a falling out with the Biden administration, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the Gulf region excluded Israel. Trump secured significant economic deals in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, prompting questions about Israel’s absence from the diplomatic tour.
Netanyahu reassured the public that relations with the United States remain strong. He cited a conversation with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who reportedly told him not to worry about “fake news stories” of a diplomatic breakdown.
Despite international pressure and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, Netanyahu’s message was clear: Israel will not stop until its objectives are fully met.
