Netanyahu's Plan: Demilitarizing Gaza, Not Occupying It

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in an interview that Israel does not seek to "occupy" or govern Gaza after its conflict with Hamas, but rather aims to "demilitarize, deradicalize, and rebuild" the enclave. Netanyahu emphasized the need for a "civilian government" to govern Gaza, without specifying who would form such a body. However, Gaza is already considered an occupied territory due to Israel's control over its borders, airspace, and territorial waters. Netanyahu's comments come after he previously stated that Israel would assume responsibility for Gaza's security for an "indefinite period," prompting pushback from the United States. US officials have suggested that the Palestinian Authority should govern Gaza, while Netanyahu opposes a ceasefire with Hamas, stating it would be a "surrender to terror."