Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday forcefully rejected the idea of a Palestinian state in the Gaza Strip, declaring that Israel will retain full security control over the territory and beyond.
Speaking at a televised press conference, Netanyahu said claims that he would allow the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza were false.
“I’m hearing that I will allow the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza — this hasn’t happened and it will not happen,” he said, adding that he has consistently blocked such efforts throughout his political career.
Security control 'from Jordan to the sea'
Netanyahu asserted that Israel will maintain security control across the entire area “from the Jordan River to the sea,” explicitly stating that this policy applies to the Gaza Strip as well.
He emphasized that this stance reflects Israel’s long-term political and security interests and remains unchanged.
Disarming Hamas, demilitarising Gaza
Netanyahu said that following the return of the last Israeli hostage from Gaza, Israel’s focus will shift to two remaining objectives. These include disarming Hamas and demilitarising Gaza by dismantling weapons stockpiles and underground tunnel networks.
Netanyahu made clear that no reconstruction work in Gaza would be allowed before these goals are achieved.
“I am already hearing the statements that we will allow Gaza’s reconstruction before demilitarization. That will not happen,” he said, stressing that security comes first.
'Easy way or hard way'
The Israeli leader warned that Hamas’s disarmament would occur regardless of resistance.
“It will be done the easy way or it will be done the hard way. But in any case, it will happen,” he said, reiterating Israel’s determination to eliminate armed threats from Gaza.
Netanyahu also addressed concerns surrounding the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, insisting that Israel’s political and security demands would be fully met.
He said that his position had been clearly coordinated with Trump and aligned with Israel’s strategic priorities.
Rejection of foreign troop deployment
The Israeli PM dismissed speculation about foreign military involvement in Gaza.
“I am hearing that we will bring Turkish soldiers and Qatari soldiers into Gaza. That too will not happen,” Netanyahu said, ruling out any international security presence in the enclave.
Palestinian statehood
Netanyahu repeated his rejection of Palestinian statehood in Gaza with added emphasis, stating that neither current nor future governments under his leadership would allow it.
“Even today and tomorrow, we will not allow this,” he said, concluding that Israel will continue to exercise full security control over Gaza and the wider region.
