Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed calls to end the military campaign against the Gaza Strip, asserting that the conflict will continue for the foreseeable future.
In an interview with Time magazine on 4 August, Netanyahu outlined his vision for Gaza after the war. He stated that once Hamas is removed from power, he aims to collaborate with Arab nations to establish a Palestinian entity that poses no threat to Israel. This entity would likely be supported by regional partners, with Israel retaining overarching security control, akin to the current situation in the occupied West Bank.
“Our goal is to destroy Hamas’s military capabilities and its ability to govern, and most importantly, to restore the principle of deterrence,” Netanyahu said.
Regarding Gaza, Netanyahu asserted, “our goal is to achieve a decisive victory to the extent that Hamas does not pose any threat to Israel.”
During the interview, Netanyahu also rejected US calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, citing a confrontation with what he described as “an entire Iranian axis.” He warned of potential escalations on other fronts, including in northern Israel against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and in the Gulf against the Houthis in Yemen.
Netanyahu strongly denied allegations that he is extending the war for personal gain, emphasising that the primary aim is to eliminate any future threat from Hamas. It is worth noting that Netanyahu is currently facing multiple legal challenges, including charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.