Netanyahu after tense talks with German chancellor: ‘We are going to free Gaza from Hamas’

The prime minister’s statement comes after a reportedly tense conversation with German Chancellor Fredrich Merz regarding Germany’s halting of military aid to Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the IDF would only be expanding operations to demilitarize Hamas in a statement on X/Twitter on Friday.

“We are not going to occupy Gaza – we are going to free Gaza from Hamas.

“Gaza will be demilitarized, and a peaceful civilian administration will be established, one that is not the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas, and not any other terrorist organization. This will help free our hostages and ensure Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel in the future.”

Netanyahu, Merz hold tense talks on Gaza

This comes after Netanyahu held a conversation with German Chancellor Fredrich Merz that was reportedly tense, according to Army Radio reporter Doron Kadosh, citing a senior Israeli official.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said that the Security Cabinet’s decision sent a clear message that Israel is committed to its war objectives.

He defined the objectives as: the complete defeat of Hamas, creating conditions for the return of all hostages, and ensuring the safety of Israeli communities through a strong security buffer around Gaza.

“Our enemies will find us as one strong, united fist striking them with great force,” Katz said, adding that international criticism and threats of sanctions would not deter Israel.”

“This is the time for leadership to make decisions. We must be worthy of our heroic soldiers, both regular and reservists, who are fighting in the Gaza tunnels against Hamas monsters, of the families of the hostages who are waiting for their loved ones, of the families of the fallen who gave their lives for the sanctification of God’s name, and for all the wounded who fought like lions to defend the homeland. Together, we will act and we will win,” Katz concluded.