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Hamas must disarm for Israel to pull out of Gaza, Netanyahu says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the Gaza Strip cannot be reclaimed by Israel and then left without Hamas disarming, reiterating a conditional stance tied to any potential withdrawal from the enclave. In a televised address to members of his right-wing coalition government, Netanyahu asserted that Hamas must disarm for Israel to consider pulling forces out of Gaza, framing the condition as essential to the security calculus guiding Israel’s future steps in the region.

The remarks come amid ongoing international scrutiny of Gaza operations and amid broader political sensitivities within Israel. Netanyahu’s comments also coincide with a recent pause in heavy military activity in Gaza, described by officials as a containment of strikes while U.S. pressure and diplomatic efforts intensify. The pause appears to reflect a balance between military objectives and political considerations at home, including an upcoming electoral campaign in which Netanyahu seeks another term.

Observers note that Netanyahu has consistently tied any potential withdrawal to guarantees regarding Hamas’s disarmament and long-term security arrangements in Gaza. The rhetoric underscores the Israeli government’s position that any withdrawal cannot leave Hamas as the dominant political and military actor within the enclave.

There was no immediate confirmation of new policy details or a timetable for any potential disengagement, but Netanyahu’s comments reinforce the position that any exit strategy would require substantial changes on the ground. International partners continue to advocate for durable arrangements that address humanitarian needs and long-term peace prospects, while stressing the importance of preventing renewed violence and ensuring regional stability.

In his address, Netanyahu did not outline a concrete roadmap for disarmament or the mechanisms by which Israel might verify such a process. The remarks, however, emphasize the prime minister’s insistence that security guarantees remain central to any decision about changing Israel’s operational posture in Gaza.

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