Netanyahu Says Israel Will Stay on Gaza Yellow Line and Expand Control
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will not withdraw from territory it currently controls along Gaza’s “Yellow Line” and indicated that Israeli control of the Strip could expand.
Speaking during a visit to Israeli military positions near the line, Netanyahu said Israel would remain in the area, which he claimed accounts for around 60% of Gaza. He was accompanied by military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and the head of the Southern Command.
The Yellow Line marks areas of Israeli military deployment under a ceasefire arrangement that began in October 2025. Netanyahu said Israel’s forces would remain in their current positions and that control would expand further.
He reiterated that Israel’s objectives include disarming Hamas and demilitarising Gaza, saying the territory should no longer pose a security threat to Israel.
During the visit, Netanyahu also conducted a security assessment and met Shin Bet special forces involved in the capture of Mu’in Muhammad al-Arabid, whom Israel identifies as a senior Hamas figure.
Netanyahu accused al-Arabid of helping conceal and move hostages, protecting Hamas leaders, rebuilding the group’s military capabilities and planning attacks. The allegations have not been independently confirmed.
Netanyahu also vowed to continue pursuing Hamas leaders and others Israel holds responsible for the October 7, 2023 attacks.
