Netanyahu Threatens Return to War in Gaza: What Did He Say?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning on Saturday, threatening a return to war in Gaza if deemed necessary. His statement came in contradiction to the agreement for a phased withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor as part of the first stage of the ceasefire in Gaza.

Netanyahu asserted, “The army will strengthen its presence in the Philadelphi Corridor,” adding, “We will return to war if the need arises, and if we do, we will return with greater force and new methods.”

In a recorded speech, delivered ahead of the implementation of the prisoner exchange deal and the ceasefire agreement set to begin on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time (6:30 GMT), Netanyahu claimed, “Both current U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have pledged their support for Israel’s return to war should an agreement on the second phase of the deal not be reached.”

He continued, “The first phase of the prisoner exchange agreement with Palestinian factions in Gaza includes a temporary ceasefire.” He also stated that “the Israeli military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor (southern Gaza) will be bolstered as part of the signed agreement,” according to his claims.

Netanyahu further elaborated, “Contrary to what has been reported, the Israeli military will strengthen its presence in the Philadelphi Corridor as part of the agreement.” He emphasized that his government is “determined to achieve all the goals of the war, including the destruction of Hamas.”

It is noteworthy that Netanyahu’s office had circulated a statement on Thursday, attributed to a “senior political official,” pledging not to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor. However, the agreement announced by Doha on Wednesday between Israel and Hamas contradicts this claim.

According to the agreement’s text, “The Israeli side will gradually reduce its forces in the corridor during the first phase, in accordance with the agreed maps and arrangements between both parties.”

The agreement specifies that “After the release of the last hostage from the first phase on the 42nd day, Israeli forces will begin their withdrawal, completing it no later than the 50th day.”

Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman announced on Wednesday evening that mediators had successfully brokered an agreement for a prisoner exchange and a sustainable return to calm, leading to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area. He stated that the agreement would begin implementation on Sunday.

According to the Qatari foreign minister, the ceasefire agreement in Gaza consists of three stages. The first stage, lasting 42 days, begins Sunday and involves the release of 33 Israelis in exchange for an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners.

Israel currently holds more than 10,300 Palestinian prisoners in its jails, while Hamas claims to hold 98 Israelis in Gaza. Hamas has also reported that dozens of hostages in its custody were killed in indiscriminate Israeli airstrikes.

Details regarding the second and third phases of the agreement will be finalized later. Qatar, Egypt, and the United States will oversee the implementation of the agreement and address any violations that may occur.