In a video message recorded in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that the Israeli army would not withdraw from the areas it occupies there. Netanyahu said he was in Gaza together with Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other commanders.
Although U.S. President Donald Trump's plan requires the Israeli army to withdraw gradually from the areas it occupies, Netanyahu said they would not comply with that condition.
Threat to expand the occupation in Gaza
Netanyahu said they were occupying 60 percent of the Gaza Strip and signaled that the occupied areas would be expanded further.
Netanyahu also argued that Hamas would be disarmed. Claiming that they had largely achieved their objectives, Netanyahu said the work was not yet complete.
Hard-line messages ahead of the October 27 election
As Israel's October 27 election approaches, Netanyahu, who has been losing ground in opinion polls, has recently toughened his rhetoric and increased his threats.