Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu gave an interview to the US-based TIME magazine at the Prime Minister’s Office in occupied Jerusalem. In his statements to the magazine, Netanyahu apologized to the Israeli public for the first time about the events of October 7. In response to a question on the subject, Netanyahu said, “An apology? Of course, of course. I am very sorry that something like this happened. You always look back and wonder if it could have been done to prevent this from happening.”
“THE ACCUSATIONS ARE UNFOUNDED”
As the war in Gaza continues, Iran faces the possibility of opening new fronts with Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, Netanyahu said, “We are not just fighting Hamas. We are facing a full-scale Iranian axis, and we are aware that we need to organize for a broader defense.”
TIME magazine reported that, according to a poll conducted by Israel’s most-watched TV channel in July, the percentage of people in the Israeli public who think Netanyahu should resign has risen to 72 percent; the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes in Gaza; Israel is becoming isolated internationally; anti-Israel protests have been held at universities in the US, and these are the most crowded demonstrations since the Vietnam War; and despite Netanyahu being warmly welcomed by the US Congress on July 25, US President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have stated that the war in Gaza must end.
The news reported that Netanyahu’s response to these was the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chairman Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, and drew attention to the increasing criticism that Netanyahu was prolonging the war in Gaza for personal political reasons. Describing these accusations against him as unfounded, Netanyahu argued that a decisive victory should be achieved in Gaza and that Hamas should no longer be able to claim authority in Palestine or pose a threat to Israel after the war. Netanyahu said, “I would like to see Gaza governed by a civilian government, perhaps with the support of regional partners. Demilitarization provided by Israel and civilian government provided by Gaza.”
REGIONAL WAR STATEMENT: ‘WE TOOK THIS RISK’
Responding to a question about the possibility of the war in Gaza turning into a regional war and Israel being dragged into a spiral of violence, Netanyahu said that Israel was fighting a struggle for existence and that they were taking such a risk. Arguing that Israel was facing the threat of destruction, Netanyahu said, “I would prefer Israel’s image to be tarnished rather than an obituary.”
Reminding of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s statement that “Israel has achieved its goal and Hamas will not be able to carry out an attack similar to the one on October 7,” Netanyahu said, “This is not our goal. Our goal is the complete destruction of Hamas’ military and administrative capacity.”
“THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE THE POWER TO THREATEN US”
The report emphasized that Netanyahu does not want to see a Palestinian state established, and that he has no plans to grant Israeli citizenship to Palestinians in order to preserve the Jewish majority, and that Israel is considering creating a situation similar to the West Bank in Gaza today. Netanyahu said that the people of Gaza should live their own lives, vote within their own institutions and have their own self-government, adding, “But they should not have the power to threaten us.”
“IF I COULD I WOULD END THE WAR TOMORROW”
“I want to end the war. If I could, I would end the war tomorrow. And in the meantime, if Hamas were to lay down its weapons, surrender, go into exile, the war would be over immediately. And why do we need that? When Iran is acting together with the axis of terror, with Hezbollah in the north, with the Houthis and others who are shooting at us at the same time, it is unacceptable,” Neytanyahu said.
Responding to a question from the magazine about whether he would continue as prime minister, Netanyahu said, “I will remain in office as long as I believe I can help guide Israel to a lasting security and prosperous future.”
Source: UAV