Israeli Media "The Jerusalem Post" Reports on Netanyahu's Consideration of Gaza Annexation
The Jerusalem Post reported on July 29 (local time) that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has considered the partial annexation of the Gaza Strip if the ongoing ceasefire negotiations with the Palestinian militant group Hamas collapse.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed this option with several cabinet ministers during a meeting held that day. Sources explained that Israeli military commanders did not attend the meeting, and that there was debate regarding the plan to annex the Gaza Strip.
However, the newspaper reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu is also taking into account the possibility that Hamas may adopt a more flexible stance on the release of hostages during negotiations, as well as the fact that Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and others are scheduled to visit the United States soon for talks with the Trump administration.
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's far-right minister, also expressed a positive view of the annexation plan that day, stating, "The Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of Israel," according to Israeli media outlet Ynet.
However, Ynet analyzed that the discussion of annexing the Gaza Strip is likely a strategy intended to pressure Hamas to return to the negotiating table.
The Israeli authorities have not issued an official statement on this matter.
In a video address that evening, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "Even after the delegation returned from Qatar, we have not stopped our efforts, but Hamas, which continues to maintain a position of refusal, remains an obstacle."
Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized, "We will never give up," and added, "We will do our utmost to bring the hostages home."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
