Netanyahu: Intense stage of fighting in Gaza Strip set to end

Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a wide ranging interview this evening (Sunday) for Channel 14's The Patriots program, where he answered a variety of questions regarding Israel's plans for the future.

Regarding the war, Netanyahu said that the intense part of the fighting in the Gaza Strip is about to end, while the war aims of freeing the hostages and collapsing Hamas' military and political capabilities are still in force.

Regarding Israel's war aims in the north, Netanyahu was more cagey, saying that after intense combat in the south ended, forces would be moved north "first for defense, and then - to return our residents home." He said that "if we can we will do so in a diplomatic manner, and if not - another way."

Regarding postwar plans for the Gaza Strip, Netanyahu said that resettling the Gaza Strip was "not realistic" and did not serve Israel's war aims. He also said that Israel needs to have military control of the Strip but that the aim is to create a local Palestinian government to manage civilian life.