The Prime Minister criticized the recent ‘tweet storm’ over security issues and clarified that Israel’s policy on Gaza and the political process has not changed.
Israel National News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opened Sunday’s cabinet meeting by addressing political criticism surrounding security and diplomatic matters, sharply condemning recent public statements on these topics.
Netanyahu said that Israel is currently in an election year and that during such a period, there is a ‘primary season assault’, both from within Likud and from outside it. He stressed that ‘security matters discussed in tweets and public statements are determined only in coordination with the Prime Minister.’
He then presented two main issues. First, Netanyahu emphasized that no parts of Gaza will remain un-demilitarized and that Hamas will be disarmed.
‘This territory will be demilitarized and Hamas will be stripped of its weapons. It will happen either the easy way or the hard way. That’s what I’ve said, and that’s what President Trump has said as well,’ Netanyahu stated.
On the political front, Netanyahu reaffirmed his long-standing opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
‘Our opposition to a Palestinian state has not changed in the slightest,’ he said.
He added that he has resisted such diplomatic initiatives for decades, under pressure both from abroad and at home.
‘I do not need affirmations, tweets, or lectures from anyone,’ he remarked.