Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed the next destination for his army after completing the ground invasion of Rafah city in southern Gaza Strip, indicating that the invasion is nearing its end.
Netanyahu stated in an interview with Hebrew Channel 14: “The intense battles waged by the Israeli army against the fighters of the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, in Rafah city, are nearing completion. However, this does not mean that the war is nearing its end.”
He continued, saying: “The war in its intense phase is nearing its end in Rafah, and we will redeploy some of our forces to the northern front, primarily for defensive purposes, but also to facilitate the return of residents to their homes,” according to his statement.
Netanyahu emphasized in his first television interview since the start of the war on October 7 last year that he is prepared for a partial deal to return prisoners, but he will resume the war after the ceasefire to achieve its objectives, stating that “the goal is to retrieve the hostages and uproot the Hamas regime in Gaza.”
Recently, the Hebrew newspaper “Yedioth Ahronoth” revealed that “Israeli security agencies informed the political level that the military defeat of Hamas is approaching, and after such a victory, there should be no hesitation in clearly announcing the end of the war in Gaza in exchange for the return of prisoners.”
The newspaper added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a clear red line to the negotiation team, which is Israel’s refusal to end the war. However, the army believes that ending the war in Gaza is in Israel’s interest, given the actual threats from the Iranian arena and the challenge of the northern front.
The newspaper pointed out that “more than 95% of Hamas rockets are no longer operational, smuggling tunnels have been closed, and production capacity is nonexistent. However, as long as Sinwar is alive and Hamas’ military arm exists with leadership and control apparatus, the battle will not be decided from Netanyahu’s perspective.”
It continued: “This requires patience and endurance. If Hamas agrees to the deal, its first phase will return prisoners and bodies, but afterward, from Netanyahu’s perspective, the war will resume to continue purging Gaza of Hamas elements and moving towards experimental projects of alternative civilian governance for the movement.”
The Israeli newspaper emphasized that the army’s approach and Netanyahu’s are contradictory, as shown in a document prepared by a group of Israeli academics about four months ago.
