Addressing a press conference revolving around the Israel-Hamas conflict, the release of Israeli hostages, and the ceasefire agreement, on Tuesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel, Gideon Sa’ar, asserted that Israel is committed to its goal to ensure the release of all Israeli hostages, and that the country is also committed to Gaza’s demilitarization and will not compromise on it.
He further said, ‘There is a plan by the Palestinians for Hamas to adopt to the “Hezbollah” model in Gaza. Hamas will transfer civil rule to the Palestinian Authority or another group, but will continue to be the dominant military force in the Gaza Strip. But our conditions for the second phase of the framework are the complete demilitarization of Gaza. Israel will not accept the continued presence of Hamas or any other terrorist groups in Gaza. And we demand an enforcement mechanism to ensure this happens.’
‘As part of the ceasefire agreement in the North, the IDF will complete the withdrawal from Lebanon today. We are temporarily remaining in five strategic high points necessary for our security. We are completing the withdrawal despite the violations of the agreement. The most basic violation is the presence of Hezbollah operatives being south of the Litani River. Unfortunately, this is still the reality. Once Lebanon fully implements its side of the deal, there will be no need to hold the five points’, the minister stated.
He added that Iran is making huge efforts to restore Hezbollah by financial support. Part of this is being done with the cooperation of Turkey. If Hezbollah is restored as the dominant military and economic force, Lebanon will remain under Iranian occupation and without a future. The Lebanese Army must be stronger than Hezbollah. Lebanon is trying to counter Iranian influence and this is the reason Hezbollah operatives attacked UNIFIL forces. It is in the interest of the international community to prevent Iran’s occupation of Lebanon through Hezbollah.
‘We had a very successful visit from Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday. Israel has never had a greater friend in the White House than President Trump. And we could not have asked for a better Secretary of State than Marco Rubio. I believe that the relationship between Israel and the United States will reach new heights in the coming years, elevating Israel’s diplomatic standing worldwide. I will soon visit Washington for an official visit. Before that, next week, I will travel to Brussels at the invitation of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs of the E.U. Kaja Kallas’, Gideon mentioned.
He further stated, ‘For the first time in years, an Association Council meeting between Israel and the European Union will take place, with European foreign ministers. I will also hold a series of meetings there with senior officials from EU institutions. I believe in a positive and direct dialogue, even when there are some differences of opinion.’
‘The Palestinian payments for terrors. The PA continues with its usual deception and its Pay for Slay strategy. Based on their statements and intelligence we have, payments to families of terrorists proceed this week as always. The PA continues to finance and encourage terrorism’, the Israeli foreign minister added.
