Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Tuesday that Gaza will see no reconstruction until Hamas fully disarms. Speaking moments after the return of the final hostage’s body to Israel, he insisted the military will maintain indefinite security control over the coastal enclave. The premier also issued a stark warning to Iran while dismissing growing calls for early elections during this critical transition.
Demands for Total Disarmament
Netanyahu made his stance clear during a tense press conference in Jerusalem. He rejected any international plan that allows rebuilding Gaza while terror groups retain their weapons. The Prime Minister emphasized that demilitarization must happen before any civilian restoration begins. This policy directly challenges recent global calls for immediate humanitarian reconstruction.
He stated that Israel will control the area from the Jordan River to the sea. This includes full security oversight in the Gaza Strip for the foreseeable future. Netanyahu dismissed the idea of a Palestinian state taking over security duties. He argued that only the Israel Defense Forces can ensure safety for the region.
The Prime Minister aligned his comments with the new 20-point plan from US President Donald Trump. However, Netanyahu expressed skepticism that Hamas would voluntarily lay down its arms as the American plan suggests. He told reporters that the terror group must be stripped of its capabilities regardless of their consent.
Key Stances from the Prime Minister:
- No Rebuild: Construction waits for disarmament.
- Security Zone: Israel controls everything west of the Jordan River.
- Border Control: Israel will inspect everyone entering or leaving Rafah.
- No Foreign Troops: Rejection of Turkish or Qatari soldiers on the ground.
“There are only two possibilities,” Netanyahu said regarding the disarmament process. “Either this will be done the easy way, or it will be done the hard way. But in any case, it will happen.”
He also addressed the future of the Rafah Border Crossing. The premier confirmed it will open soon for pedestrians moving in both directions. However, he stressed that strict Israeli inspections will remain in place to prevent weapon smuggling.
A Painful Chapter Closes
The press conference took place under a heavy national cloud. The body of Ran Gvili, the final hostage held in Gaza, was returned to Israeli soil earlier that day. This event marks the official end of the hostage crisis that began on October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu claimed the return of Gvili vindicated his strategy. He argued that his combination of military force and diplomatic pressure succeeded in bringing everyone home. The Prime Minister thanked the security forces and President Trump for their roles in the mission.
The Hostage Crisis by the Numbers:
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 843 Days |
| Outcome | All hostages accounted for |
| Final Hostage | Ran Gvili |
| Next Phase | Total Demilitarization |
Critics were quick to counter the Prime Minister’s narrative. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid issued a scathing statement shortly after the speech. He argued that taking credit for the return requires taking responsibility for the failures that led to the abductions.
The return of Gvili allows the nation to mourn collectively. Families of the victims have waited nearly two and a half years for this closure. However, the government signals that the end of the hostage crisis marks the beginning of a more aggressive security phase.
Rising Tensions with Iran
The Prime Minister pivoted from Gaza to the broader regional threat. Intelligence reports suggest a potential escalation with Tehran is imminent. Netanyahu warned the Islamic Republic against testing Israel’s resolve during this transitional period.
“If Iran makes the grave mistake of attacking Israel, we will respond with a force Iran has never seen before,” he threatened.
This rhetoric comes as the United States increases its military presence in the region. Reports confirmed that a US armada is currently sailing toward the Middle East. This show of force aims to deter Iranian aggression following recent friction.
Netanyahu mentioned that Israel remains in constant contact with the Trump administration. He noted that coordination with American forces is at an all time high. The premier declined to comment on specific diplomatic talks but projected confidence in US support.
The threat of a multi-front war remains a primary concern for the security establishment. The government is preparing the public for potential scenarios involving direct conflict with Iran. Civil defense protocols remain on high alert across the country.
Political Turmoil at Home
Domestic politics simmered beneath the surface of the security updates. The Prime Minister faces intense pressure to call for early elections. His coalition is currently struggling with internal disagreements over the state budget and military draft laws.
Netanyahu firmly rejected the idea of going to the polls right now. He described elections as the last thing Israel needs during a security crisis. He framed the call for elections as a move that would weaken the state against its enemies.
“That is both my aspiration and my hope,” he said regarding the government finishing its term.
He also addressed the emerging “Qatargate” scandal involving his aides. Allegations suggest his staff accepted funds to improve Qatar’s image during the war. Netanyahu denied any knowledge of these dealings and defended his record of criticizing Doha.
He called the investigations into his office a “witch hunt” aimed at toppling his leadership. The Prime Minister insisted his focus remains entirely on national security. He urged his coalition partners to unite rather than fracture over political disputes.
The political landscape remains fragile despite his confidence. Rivals like Naftali Bennett continue to gain traction in the polls. The coming weeks will determine if Netanyahu can hold his government together while managing the Gaza situation.
Current Political Challenges:
- Budget Vote: Coalition remains divided on spending.
- Draft Law: Disagreements on ultra-Orthodox enlistment.
- Investigations: Multiple probes into the Prime Minister’s Office.
- Public Trust: Polls show a desire for new leadership.
The coming months will test the resilience of both the government and the nation. With the hostage crisis over, public attention will shift to the promised security overhaul. The world is watching to see if Netanyahu can deliver on his hardline promises.
Israel stands at a major crossroads this week. The return of the final hostage offers a moment of relief, but the promise of indefinite control over Gaza suggests a long road ahead. The mix of grief, relief, and anxiety is palpable across the nation as citizens wait to see what the “hard way” of disarmament truly looks like.
