Netanyahu expects Gaza truce to move to second phase ‘shortly’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the second phase of a US plan to end the war in Gaza was close, but that several key issues still needed to be resolved, including whether a multinational security force would be deployed.

Speaking to reporters alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said that he would hold important discussions with US President Donald Trump at the end of the month on how to ensure the plan's second phase was achieved.

"We very shortly expect to move into the second phase, which is more difficult," he said.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in place since 10 October, has diminished fighting, but Israel has continued to bomb the besieged enclave, with 600 ceasefire violations reported, in which more than 373 people were killed and 900 wounded.

Netanyahu said that it was important to ensure Hamas not only upholds the ceasefire but also follows through on "their commitment" to the plan to disarm and for Gaza to be demilitarised.

Israel retained control of 53 percent of Gaza under the first phase of Trump's plan, which involved the release of 47 captives, both alive and deceased, held by armed factions in Gaza and of Palestinians detained by Israel. To date, all hostages have been freed except for the body of an Israeli police officer.

Under the plan, Israel is expected to withdraw further during the second phase as a transitional authority is set up in Gaza, a multinational security force is deployed, Hamas is disarmed, and reconstruction efforts begin.

A multinational coordination centre has been established in Israel, but the plan contains no firm deadlines, and officials say progress has stalled.

Netanyahu also said that he plans to talk with Trump about “opportunities for peace”, seemingly referring to US efforts for Israel to establish relations with Arab and Muslim countries.

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"We believe there's a path to advance a broader peace with the Arab states, and a path also to establish a workable peace with our Palestinian neighbours," Netanyahu said, insisting that Israel will always maintain security control over the occupied West Bank.

The "question of political annexation" of the West Bank remains a subject of discussion, Netanyahu said.

On 22 October, Israel’s parliament approved a preliminary reading of two bills extending Israel's sovereignty to two West Bank settlements.

Asked by a reporter if planned on retiring from political life if he receives a pardon in his years-long corruption trial, Netanyahu replied: "no".

Last month, Netanyahu requested a pardon from President Isaac Herzog, with his lawyers contending that his frequent court appearances were interfering with his ability to govern and that granting a pardon would benefit the country.