"We don't want to keep it:" Netanyahu contradicts reports of Gaza occupation plans

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back Thursday against claims that his government intends to permanently occupy the Gaza Strip, stating that 'Israel’s' goals are limited to security, not governance.

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu emphasized that 'Israel' is not seeking long-term control over the territory. “We don't want to keep it. We want to have a security perimeter. We don't want to govern it,” he said.

Read more: Netanyahu decides to fully occupy Gaza: Hebrew media

Netanyahu told his government’s ministers he decided to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, according to reports by Hebrew media earlier this week.

Netanyahu used the term “occupation of the Strip” in private conversations with the ministers, while outlining his vision for expanding military operations in Gaza.

The “Israeli” military will also start operating in areas where it hasn’t done so previously, including areas where captives are known to be held, according to a senior official close to Netanyahu cited by Yedioth Ahronoth.

“There will be operations even in areas where hostages are being held,” the official said.

“The die is cast — we are going for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip,” he added.

The “Israeli” military currently controls 75% of the Gaza Strip, and under Netanyahu’s plan, it is expected to occupy the entirety of the Strip.