Netanyahu confirms Israeli control over parts of Gaza Strip

On September 2, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a military outpost near the so-called 'Yellow Line' in the Gaza Strip to reiterate that Israel does not intend to withdraw its forces from the territories it currently controls. During his visit, accompanied by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Southern Command head Yaniv Ashor, and 99th Division Commander Elad Tsuri, Netanyahu stated that Israel maintains control over 60% of the enclave. He emphasized that military operations will continue until Hamas is disarmed and the threat to Israeli border cities, such as Ashkelon, Sderot, and Netivot, is eliminated.

Netanyahu noted that he has ordered the military to expand its control to 70% of the territory, a move that exceeds the limits established by the October 2025 ceasefire agreement. The Prime Minister declared that troops will remain in their positions to ensure the complete demilitarization of the area. He highlighted that daily operations are successfully targeting Hamas leadership and militants. These actions are framed by the government as necessary security measures to prevent future attacks, despite the ongoing international scrutiny regarding territorial boundaries in the region.