Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip cannot proceed unless the territory is demilitarized and its military infrastructure is dismantled. Speaking on Sunday, July 5, Netanyahu said Gaza residents should be free to choose whether to remain in the territory or leave, but stressed that such a choice must not pose a future security threat to Israel. He added that security threats emanating from Gaza have declined and that the establishment of a buffer zone inside the enclave has helped reinforce that situation. Netanyahu also said the improved security environment has led to growing demand for housing in communities near the Gaza border. Referring to developments in Lebanon, the Israeli prime minister said Israel has legitimate grounds to maintain a presence along the “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon. He also stated that U.S. President Donald Trump has not asked Israel to refrain from taking action against Hezbollah’s cross-border tunnels. Netanyahu further claimed that Hezbollah supports agreements involving Iran while seeking to undermine arrangements related to Israel.
