Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that Israel does not plan to occupy Gaza but intends to “free” it from Hamas and help set up a peaceful civilian administration. His remarks came during a phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office posted on X.
Comments Amid Growing Criticism
Netanyahu’s statement follows mounting criticism after Israel’s security cabinet approved a new military plan that includes taking control of Gaza City. The move has drawn backlash from both inside Israel and the international community.
“We are not going to occupy Gaza – we are going to free Gaza from Hamas,” Netanyahu said. He added, “Gaza will be demilitarised, and a peaceful civilian administration will be established, one that is not the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas, and not any other terrorist organisation. This will help free our hostages and ensure Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel in the future.”
Dispute Over Germany’s Arms Ban
During his call with Merz, Netanyahu also voiced disappointment over Germany’s decision to halt weapons exports to Israel.
“Instead of supporting Israel's just war against Hamas, which carried out the most horrific attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Germany is rewarding Hamas terrorism by embargoing arms to Israel,” his office said.
Five-Point Plan for Gaza’s Future
The updated plan to “defeat” Hamas includes Israeli forces taking control of Gaza City. Netanyahu’s government laid out five guiding principles for Gaza’s future, focusing on demilitarisation and creating an alternative civil authority.
Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu stressed that Israel does not want to govern Gaza permanently. Instead, he said the goal is to set up a “security perimeter” and hand over control to Arab forces capable of maintaining stability.
Strong International Reaction
The plan has faced sharp criticism globally, AFP reported. China, Turkey, Britain, several Arab countries, and the UN Human Rights Chief have all raised concerns. Hamas called the move a “new war crime.”
Germany’s decision to halt military exports marks a significant policy shift. Merz said it was “increasingly difficult to understand” how Israel’s latest actions align with its stated objectives.
Background on Gaza Control
The Israeli army recently claimed it controls around 75 percent of the Gaza Strip. Israel previously occupied Gaza from 1967 until it withdrew in 2005.