What is required is that the terrorist-labeled Hamas returns the body of the last remaining hostage to Israel, according to Netanyahu, who adds that phase two "is much more difficult." In return, Israel will return the remains of 15 Palestinians.
The statement comes at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is visiting Israel.
The second phase of the peace plan involves, among other things, the disarmament of Hamas, further withdrawal of Israeli forces and the establishment of a transitional government.
Continued attacks
Some of the neighboring countries have warned that the road to the next phase is long. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin al-Thani pointed out on Saturday that Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip continue and that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire came into effect on October 10.
According to Netanyahu, a meeting between him and US President Donald Trump later in December will include discussions on "how to end Hamas rule in Gaza."
"It is an essential part of ensuring a different future for Gaza and a different future for those of us who face Gaza," Netanyahu said.
At the press conference, Friedrich Merz, who spoke by phone with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday, emphasized the need for a two-state solution. Merz's image is that the Palestinians are "ready to launch reforms," writes Haaretz.
“Another point of view”
Netanyahu, in turn, once again reiterates his opposition to a Palestinian state and states that he and Merz disagree.
We have a different point of view, of course, because the purpose of a Palestinian state is to destroy the only Jewish state, he says and continues:
We believe there is a way to go to promote a broader peace with the Arab states, and a way to go to establish a workable peace with our Palestinian neighbors, but we will not create a state that is determined to destroy us right on our doorstep.
