Netanyahu: We have accepted the risk of the war in Gaza turning into a regional war

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 regarding the events of October 7. In response to a question on the matter, 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 would have been possible to do something to prevent this from happening," he said.

"WE ARE NOT JUST FIGHTING HAMAS"

Facing the prospect of new fronts opening with Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen while the war in Gaza continues, Netanyahu said, "We are not just fighting Hamas. We are facing a full-scale Iranian axis, and we realize that we need to organize for a broader defense."

The TIME magazine report noted that according to a poll conducted in July by Israel's most-watched TV channel, the percentage of the Israeli public who believe Netanyahu should resign has risen to 72 percent; that the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of committing war crimes in Gaza; that Israel is becoming internationally isolated; that anti-Israel protests are taking place at universities in the US, which are the largest demonstrations since the Vietnam War; and that despite Netanyahu receiving a very warm welcome in the US Congress on July 25, US President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump have all stated that the war in Gaza must end.

The report stated that Netanyahu's response to these developments was the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, and pointed out that criticism that Netanyahu is prolonging the war in Gaza for personal political reasons is growing day by day.

Dismissing these accusations against him as baseless, Netanyahu argued that a decisive victory must be achieved in Gaza and that after the war, Hamas must be in a position where it can no longer claim governance in Palestine or pose a threat to Israel.

Netanyahu said, "I would like to see Gaza governed by a civilian administration, perhaps with the support of regional partners. A demilitarization provided by Israel and a civilian administration provided by Gaza."

"ISRAEL IS FACING THE THREAT OF ANNIHILATION"

Responding to a question regarding the possibility of the war in Gaza turning into a regional conflict and Israel being dragged into a spiral of violence, Netanyahu said that Israel is fighting an existential battle and that they have accepted such a risk. Arguing that Israel is facing the threat of annihilation, Netanyahu stated, "I would prefer a damaged image for Israel over an obituary."

When reminded of U.S. 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 replied, "That is not our goal. Our goal is the complete destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities."

The report emphasized that Netanyahu does not want to see the establishment of a Palestinian state and has no plan to grant Israeli citizenship to Palestinians in order to maintain a Jewish demographic majority, noting that Israel is considering creating a situation in Gaza similar to that in the West Bank today. Stating that the people of Gaza should lead their own lives, vote within their own institutions, and have their own self-governance, Netanyahu said, "But they must not have the power to threaten us."

"I WANT TO END THE WAR"

Netanyahu said, "I want to end the war. If I could, I would end the war tomorrow. And in the meantime, if Hamas lays down its arms, surrenders, and goes into exile, the war would end immediately. And why do we need this? When they act together with the Iranian terror axis, with Hezbollah in the north, and with the Houthis and others firing at us simultaneously, this is unacceptable."

Responding to the magazine's question about whether he would continue in his role as prime minister, Netanyahu said, "I will continue to remain in office as long as I believe I can help guide Israel toward lasting security and a prosperous future."

News Source: İHA