As negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire continue, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has issued a stark warning regarding the future of the enclave: Hamas must disarm, or Israel will be forced to intervene indefinitely.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya English, Sa’ar outlined Israel’s red lines for the proposed “Trump plan,” insisting that the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip is non-negotiable.
“We will not live with a terrorist state on our border,” Sa’ar told presenter Catalina Marchant De Abreu. While expressing hope that the current diplomatic roadmap would succeed, he made it clear that Israel is prepared for alternative outcomes. “If it will not be successful, we will have to deal with the problem because we are the neighbors of Gaza Strip.”
Doubts Over Hamas’s Intentions
Sa’ar expressed skepticism about Hamas’s willingness to comply with the disarmament protocols required by the upcoming phase of the ceasefire. Citing public remarks from senior Hamas figures, the Foreign Minister suggested the group has no current intention of laying down its weapons.
“We will not have clear progress without having progress on the main issues,” Sa’ar stated, identifying the neutralization of Gaza as a threat to Israel as the core objective. He noted that while the plan has been theoretically agreed upon, the challenge lies entirely in implementation.
Friction on the Northern Front
Beyond Gaza, the interview highlighted the shifting security dynamics on Israel’s northern borders. Sa’ar confirmed that Israel is seeking a new security arrangement with Syria to replace the 1974 disengagement agreement. However, he noted that Damascus has recently “toughened their positions” and added preconditions that have delayed progress.
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Addressing the presence of Israeli forces in Syrian territory, Sa’ar described the moves as defensive measures to create a buffer zone against extremist militias following the collapse of UN observation posts.
“We never had territorial ambitions in Syria,” Sa’ar said, dismissing the idea of a land grab. “Our interest in our Syrian border is our security.”
Regarding Lebanon, the Foreign Minister reiterated Israel’s desire for eventual normalization but placed the blame for current hostilities on Hezbollah and Iranian influence. He framed the conflict as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty by Hezbollah, rather than by Israel, arguing that peace would be attainable if the paramilitary group disarmed.
Global Antisemitism and US Relations
The Foreign Minister also touched on the rising tide of antisemitism, referencing recent attacks in Bondi, Australia. He criticized Western nations for allowing anti-Jewish incitement to proliferate in the public and digital spheres without sufficient legal repercussions.
On the diplomatic front, Sa’ar dismissed reports of tension between the Israeli government and President Trump regarding the pace of the Gaza plan. He noted that recent meetings focused largely on Turkey and Syria, and expressed confidence that the upcoming meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago would be positive.
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