Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed doubt that Hamas would comply with a 15-point peace roadmap for Gaza, according to an interview aired Monday. "I don't think Hamas is going to turn into a kitten - this predator," Netanyahu said during an appearance on a podcast hosted by Israeli historian Gadi Taub.
The roadmap was published the previous week, prompting concerns in Israel that it requires Israel Defense Forces withdrawal from Gaza before Hamas fully disarms. Netanyahu stated that disarmament and demilitarization must precede reconstruction efforts. "Hamas must be disarmed and Gaza demilitarized, and only then [Gaza] can start reconstruction, including rehabilitating its fanaticism," He said.
Netanyahu also advocated for opening immigration pathways for Palestinians, stating that allowing Gazans to voluntarily relocate to other countries should be a priority. He claimed between 50% and 80% of Gazans wish to leave, and asserted that blocking emigration is used to undermine Israel. "For God's sake, open the door, let them leave!" He said, adding that North Korea is the only other place where citizens cannot emigrate.
Netanyahu highlighted Israeli military achievements in the conflict that began with attacks on October 7, 2023, including the elimination of enemy leadership across Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria. However, he said he faced long-standing resistance from Israel's defense establishment regarding plans to preemptively strike Iran's nuclear program. "For many years - I'm speaking frankly - I could not summon a majority, not only in the defense establishment, but I could not summon a majority in the political establishment," He said.
When asked whether a prime minister can advance policies unanimously opposed by the defense establishment, Netanyahu responded, "It is very difficult," Noting that the establishment uses methods such as leaking plans to the press rather than formally refusing orders.