Netanyahu stresses, Israel ‘will not annex Gaza’; it will be ruled by ‘transitional’ body

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarifies his strategic vision for the war in Gaza in statements published by CNN-News18, an Indian English-language news outlet, Report informs via The Times of Israel.

Addressing international concerns, Netanyahu emphasizes that Israel “will not annex Gaza” and plans to transfer control of the territory to an unspecified “transitional governing body.”

He reiterates Israel’s key objectives: the complete dismantling of Hamas and the unconditional return of all remaining hostages. Netanyahu says that the conflict could end swiftly if Hamas were to lay down its arms and release the hostages.

The interview comes shortly after Netanyahu met with India’s ambassador to Israel, J.P. Singh, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations, particularly in the defense and economic sectors.

Israel’s security cabinet is scheduled to meet later today for a key discussion on whether to move forward with a full-scale military occupation of the Gaza Strip.