Israeli soldiers were seen last week fixing the tracks of a tank near the border with Gaza in southern Israel, as the intensive phase of the war against Hamas is said to be “about to end,” according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a recent interview on Israeli television, Netanyahu stated that while the conflict is not coming to a close, the operation in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, is the latest focus of Israel’s ground offensive. He mentioned that Israel would continue to “mow the lawn,” a term used to denote the use of force aimed at curtailing the regrowth of militant organizations.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who was in Washington for meetings with Biden administration officials, discussed the transition to “Phase C” in Gaza. The Israeli military has been working to dismantle or seriously degrade Hamas’s military infrastructure, but there is no clear plan for the administration of Gaza after the war.
Netanyahu suggested that a postwar civilian administration would involve local Palestinians with the help of moderate Arab nations, while the Israeli military would maintain overall security control of the enclave. He reiterated his longstanding position that Hamas must be fully eradicated for any progress to be made.
The prime minister’s remarks come as cease-fire negotiations remain stalled, with Netanyahu expressing willingness to strike a “partial” deal for the return of some of the 120 hostages being held in Gaza. However, he later clarified that he is committed to bringing back all the remaining hostages, living and deceased.
The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum condemned Netanyahu’s comments, stating that failing to advance the cease-fire proposal “abandons 120 hostages and violates the state’s moral obligation to its citizens.” The group emphasized that the responsibility to return all hostages lies with the prime minister.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the Israeli government faces challenges in navigating the postwar landscape and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
