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Netanyahu rules out Gaza resettlement: ‘It was never our aim’

The Israeli prime minister defended his ‘day after’ plan in interviews on US TV

May 22, 2024 08:51
netanyahu GettyImages-1719686694
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks on as the US Secretary of State gives statements to the media inside The Kirya, which houses the Israeli Defence Ministry, after their meeting in Tel Aviv on October 12, 2023. Blinken arrived in a show of solidarity after Hamas's surprise weekend onslaught in Israel, an AFP correspondent travelling with him reported. He is expected to visit Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Washington closes ranks with its ally that has launched a withering air campaign against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Jacquelyn Martin / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JACQUELYN MARTIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

By

JC Reporter,

Jewish News Syndicate

1 min read

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin on Tuesday ruled out resettlement in the Gaza Strip after the war against Hamas.

“If you mean resettling Gaza...it was never in the cards, and I said so openly. And some of my constituents are not happy about it, but that's my position,” the premier said in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper.

Netanyahu reiterated his "day after" plan, whereby Israel will stay in charge of security in Gaza until insurgency and terrorism is completely rooted out, after which Gazans can take charge of the Strip.

“I think the only force that can prevent the resurgence of terrorism for the foreseeable future is Israel. At the same time, we want, I want a civilian administration that is run by Gazans who are neither Hamas nor committed to our destruction,” he said.