Netanyahu says the fierce fighting with Hamas is ending but the war will continue

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the phase of intense fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip is coming to an end, but the war will not end until the Islamist group can no longer control Palestine.

Once the fierce fighting in Gaza is over, Netanyahu said, Israel will be able to deploy more troops on the northern border with Lebanon, where the fight against Iran-backed Hezbollah is fierce.

“After the powerful phase is over, we will have the opportunity to move part of the forces to the north. And we will do this. First and foremost for defense purposes. And secondly, to bring our (evacuated) citizens home,” Netanyahu said in an interview with Israel Channel 14.

“If we can, we will do this through communication. If not, we will do it in another way. But we will bring them (residents) home,” he said.

Many Israeli towns near the border with Lebanon were evacuated during the fighting.

Asked when the phase of the major conflict with Hamas will end, Netanyahu replied: “Soon.”

But the army will still work in Gaza.

“I have no intention of ending the war and leaving Hamas as it is,” he said.

Netanyahu reiterated his rejection of the idea of ​​the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority ruling Gaza instead of Hamas.