Netanyahu says 'we are not retreating' during Gaza visit
JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday visited Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, where he vowed not to pull back troops despite a recent push by mediators to advance a US-backed ceasefire plan calling for their withdrawal.
- Why it matters
- Netanyahu's refusal to commit to troop withdrawal directly contradicts the terms of a US-backed ceasefire plan that mediators are actively pursuing, blocking a key condition for negotiations to advance.
- Most affected
- Palestinians in Gaza — Continued Israeli military presence if Netanyahu's position holds during ceasefire talks.
Mediators negotiating the ceasefire — Loss of Israeli agreement on troop withdrawal, a stated requirement of their plan. - Likely next
- Whether mediators formally respond to Netanyahu's statement or whether ceasefire negotiations resume with modified terms.
Also reported by: Middle East Eye, Free Malaysia Today, The Jerusalem Post, Vanguard, The Times of India
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