Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Sunday that rebuilding Gaza will not proceed unless its military capabilities are dismantled and the territory is disarmed. He insisted residents “have the freedom to stay or leave without threatening us,” claiming the threat from Gaza has been removed through the creation of a new buffer zone inside the enclave.

Netanyahu argued that this shift has boosted demand for housing in Israeli communities near Gaza, citing improved security conditions. His remarks come amid ongoing war and international debates over Gaza’s future and reconstruction.

Turning to Lebanon, Netanyahu asserted Israel has obtained legitimacy to remain along the “yellow line” in the south, emphasizing that former U.S. President Donald Trump did not ask Israel to refrain from acting against Hezbollah tunnels. He accused Hezbollah of supporting Iran’s agreement while opposing Israel’s own arrangements.

The statements highlight Israel’s dual focus: enforcing disarmament in Gaza as a prerequisite for reconstruction, and maintaining a strategic presence in southern Lebanon under the justification of security and legitimacy.