Netanyah: Gaze-Egypt border zone must be under Israel's control

The border zone between Gaza and Egypt should be under Israeli control, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday, while saying that the war in Gaza and other regional fronts would last for months.

Mr. Netanyah held a press conference as the fight against Hamas in Gaza enters the week of 13. The conflict has sparked violence on the occupied West Coast and has triggered attacks by Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

“Charridor Philadelphy, or to put it more precisely, the southern point (of Gaza) must be under our control. It must be closed. It is clear that any other agreement would not ensure the demilitarisation that we seek”, he said.

Israel has said it aims to destroy Hamas in Gaza and demilitarise and eliminate radicalism in order to prevent every repeat of the October 7th murders and kidnappings of the Palestinian militant group that caused the war.

“Bete is at its peak and we are fighting on all fronts. Reaching victory will take time. As Chief of Staff (IDF) has said, war will continue for many more months”, Mr. Netanyah said.

The Israeli prime minister threatened a direct attack on Iran over almost daily attacks by Lebanon.

If Hezbollah extends the war, there will be shocks that he never dreamed of, as well as Iran”, Mr. Netanyahu said without giving details. / VOA