Netanyahu's remarks to an Indian news outlet that Israel does not intend to take control of the Gaza Strip, are aimed squarely at the Trump administration, which is firmly opposed to such a move.
This contradict the ambitions of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and other figures in the settlement wing of the Israeli right, who have called for a renewal of Israeli communities in the Gaza Strip.
According to Netanyahu, Israeli control over a security perimeter around Gaza would continue for an extended period, until Israel could ensure its citizens' safety from any threat emanating from the Strip. An Israeli official said the policy was also designed to secure American backing for Israel's goal of full control over the Gaza Strip, particularly after the collapse of talks in Doha due to Hamas's refusal to compromise.
"There is serious American interest in playing a significant role in the future of Gaza, along with other nations," the official told Israel Hayom. "The overarching objective is the elimination of the terrorist threat and the transformation of Gaza into a model for regional rehabilitation. We are closely coordinated with Washington on this, including on the question of governance and sovereignty in Gaza moving forward."
The statement was directed not only at the US, but also at Gulf nations, Western countries, and international organizations expected to be involved in shaping post-Hamas Gaza. It is intended to defuse criticism over Israel's decision to carry out a full military takeover of the Strip in its effort to defeat the terrorist organization.
