'Israel' received US full support for Gaza ground invasion: Netanyahu

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
12 Dec 2023 18:54
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Despite support from the US, Netanyahu said there are some differences remain regarding post-war reconstruction plans.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Al-Quds, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023 (Ronen Zvulun/Pool Photo via AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that the regime received full US support for a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.

"I really appreciate the US support for the destruction of Hamas and the return of our hostages. After intensive discussions with President [of the United States Joe] Biden and his people, we received full support for a ground entry [into the Gaza Strip] and containment of international pressure aimed at ending the war," Netanyahu said.

"Yes, there are disputes about the 'day after Hamas,' and I hope that we will come to an agreement here," Netanyahu said in a video address posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

'Israel', US differ on post-war Gaza plans

Elsewhere in his remarks, Netanyahu stated that the US does not agree with his post-war plans for Gaza, adding that 'Israel' has already stated it will not permit either Hamas or Fatah to govern in the Gaza Strip.

He reaffirmed his opposition to the Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, returning to rule in Gaza, noting that Gaza should not become associated with either Hamas or Fatah, the latter being Abbas's faction.

"I want to make my position clear — I will not allow Israel to repeat the mistake of Oslo. I will not allow that, after the enormous sacrifices among our citizens and soldiers, we allow those in the Gaza Strip who support terrorism, to finance terrorism. Gaza will be neither Hamastan nor Fatahastan," Netanyahu said.

During a discussion of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee on Monday, Netanyahu discussed that he was opposed to the Palestinian Authority taking control of the Gaza Strip after the aggression ends, the Israeli Maariv newspaper reported.

"The Palestinian Authority will not be able to control Gaza under any circumstances," the Israeli premier maintained.

"Security responsibility will remain under the State of Israel. The difference between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority is only that Hamas wants to destroy us here and now and the Authority wants to do it in stages," he said despite the PA being recognized by the Israeli occupation as a representative of the Palestinian people.

US wants Abbas

According to a Politico report that came out on Tuesday, two official sources in the United States, one from the State Department, have revealed that the Biden administration has been working on a multi-phase post-war plan for running the Gaza Strip, resulting in the Palestinian Authority gaining control of the besieged strip.

The article details how the White House, State Department, and other officials have been formulating the strategy in position papers and intergovernmental meetings since last month in an effort led by National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk.

The State Dept official explained that amid "only bad options" the administration considers the PA the most viable with "significant legitimacy and capability challenges."

They intend to deploy an international force immediately following the war followed by a so-called "revamped" Palestinian Authority taking over long-term control of Gaza.