Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Withdrawal Plan, Vows Hamas Disarmament and Rules Out Palestinian State.
Jerusalem:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected reports that Israel is preparing to withdraw from the Gaza Strip or weaken its military position on other fronts, insisting that his government will continue to act forcefully to protect Israel’s security.
Addressing the opening of a government meeting, Netanyahu pushed back against what he described as a “wave of rumors” about Israeli weakness and withdrawals from Gaza, Lebanon and other fronts. He said Israel’s military strength and deterrence were preventing Iran from directly attacking Israel.
“You have surely noticed an interesting point: Iran attacks all the countries in the region, and even outside the region, but there is one country it does not attack – the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said.
He argued that Iran’s restraint was a result of its awareness of the consequences of a direct attack on Israel, warning that Israel would respond with a “massive blow.”
Netanyahu: Iran Will Not Be Allowed to Obtain Nuclear Weapons
Netanyahu also reiterated his opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons and praised US President Donald Trump for what he described as Washington’s strong partnership with Israel against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“I greatly appreciate President Trump. He is the greatest of our friends in the White House,” Netanyahu said, while emphasizing the importance of the US-Israel partnership.
He declared that Israel would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon regardless of whether an agreement with Tehran is reached.
“With or without an agreement, as long as I am Prime Minister, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon,” Netanyahu said.
According to Netanyahu, Israel’s existence and security are fundamental issues that cannot be negotiated.
Israel Continuing Military Operations in Lebanon
Turning to Lebanon, Netanyahu rejected claims that Israel was withdrawing or reducing its military activities there.
He said Israeli forces had carried out operations in recent days against what he described as terrorist targets, including operations in the area of the Ali Taher ridge.
“In recent days, Israel has acted with force in Lebanon, eliminating terrorists,” Netanyahu said.
He did not provide operational details, saying Israel was in the middle of an important military operation. Netanyahu said the government was working with the Israel Defense Forces “prudently and wisely,” while maintaining both determination and military pressure against perceived threats.
Netanyahu Rules Out Palestinian State
Netanyahu made one of his strongest political declarations on the future of the Palestinian territories, saying that a Palestinian state would not be established while he remains prime minister.
“As long as I am Prime Minister, a Palestinian state will not be established, neither in Gaza nor in Judea and Samaria,” he said.
He also rejected the possibility of separate Palestinian administrations in the territories, referring to them as “Fatahstan” and “Hamastan.”
The remarks underline Netanyahu’s opposition to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and his continued insistence that Israel retain control over key security matters.
Israel Rejects 15-Point Document
Netanyahu also addressed reports surrounding a 15-point document that has reportedly been discussed in connection with the Gaza conflict.
He was unequivocal in stating that Israel does not accept the document.
“I have heard people saying: ‘You didn’t say it.’ So here I am saying it again: Israel does not accept the 15-point document,” Netanyahu said.
He further stated that the Israeli military would not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas was fully disarmed.
“The IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu stressed that by disarmament he meant the removal of Hamas’s entire weapons capability, including both heavy and lighter weapons.
He rejected what he called “fictitious disarmament,” insisting that any process must result in genuine removal of Hamas’s military capabilities.
Israel and US Discussing Hamas Disarmament
Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel is currently discussing the issue with the United States.
He said Washington had presented various ideas, some of which Israel considered acceptable and others it rejected.
“We are talking with the Americans about this issue. They have ideas, some of which are acceptable to us and some of which are unacceptable,” Netanyahu said.
He insisted that Israel would continue to defend its position even when disagreements arise with its closest ally.
Netanyahu argued that Israel had previously demonstrated its willingness to stand firm when it believed its national security was at stake.
Gaza Operations and Previous Military Actions
Defending his government’s approach to the war, Netanyahu cited Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon as examples of what he described as necessary action to protect the country.
He specifically referred to the Israeli military’s entry into Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor, as well as Israel’s campaign in Lebanon.
Netanyahu also highlighted the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and the destruction of what he described as Hezbollah’s rocket stockpile.
He further referred to Israeli strikes against Iran, saying Israel had attacked the country twice.
“Unlike all those who lecture us, we do what needs to be done for Israel’s security,” Netanyahu said.
‘Israel’s Security Is Not Up for Negotiation’
Concluding his remarks, Netanyahu framed Israel’s security and continued military action as non-negotiable national interests.
“The existence of Israel and the security of all Israeli citizens are not up for negotiation,” he said.
He argued that his government’s policy should be judged by actions on the ground rather than political messaging or public relations.
“We do not do this in advertising agencies; we actually do it on the ground,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu’s remarks signal that his government intends to maintain a hard-line position on Hamas disarmament, resist an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza before that condition is met, oppose Palestinian statehood and continue military operations against threats in Lebanon and elsewhere.
His comments also indicate that, despite close coordination with Washington, Israel is prepared to reject US proposals it considers inconsistent with its security objectives.
