Netanyahu unveils five principles for "victory" in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined what he described as “five key principles” for achieving victory in the Gaza conflict, according to Dmitry Gendelman, an adviser to the Prime Minister’s Office, who shared the PM's list on Telegram.

“These five principles will ensure Israel’s security, which is the true meaning of the word ‘victory,’” Netanyahu said. He listed them as: the complete disarmament of Hamas; the return of all hostages; the full demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip; Israeli control over security in Gaza, including a security perimeter; and the establishment of an alternative civilian administration in the enclave that would be run by neither Hamas nor the Palestinian National Authority.

The prime minister said Israel is actively pursuing these goals and stressed, “It’s time for everyone to understand this.” He noted that the government formally approved these five principles a week earlier.

Some elements of the plan had been announced previously. Netanyahu has stated that Israel does not intend to annexe Gaza after the war with Hamas ends and intends to hand over governance to a temporary administrative body, while maintaining security oversight. He has also emphasised that a security perimeter will be created to ensure the enclave does not pose a threat to Israel.

Meanwhile, Axios reported in August that during a cabinet security meeting, Israel decided to occupy Gaza City — a move seen as a potential first step toward the complete occupation of the Gaza Strip. The planned operation is expected to last several months and could displace about 1 million civilians.

Peace negotiations remain stalled. Israel accuses Hamas of showing no willingness to agree to a ceasefire, while Hamas insists on improvements to the humanitarian situation as a condition for talks. The Jerusalem Post, citing a source close to the discussions, reported that it may take months for Israel and the US to prepare a new agreement with the Palestinian group.

By Tamilla Hasanova