Comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel appeared to confirm that Israel is preparing to play at least some role in controlling Gaza for a time after fighting ends. Israel will need to oversee the security of the Gaza Strip “for an indefinite period” once the war with Hamas is over, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview with ABC News that aired on Monday. Asked who should govern Gaza when the war ends, Mr. Netanyahu responded that he thought Israel would “have the overall security responsibility” over the territory indefinitely. Mr. Netanyahu did not elaborate in the ABC interview on what “overall security responsibility” over Gaza would entail but said, “Those who don’t want to continue the way of Hamas” should be in charge. Israeli officials have publicly said it is premature to discuss governance for Gaza and that they are focused on immediate military objectives.

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Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Netanyahu, “, “ We’ve, ABC’s David Muir, Netanyahu’s, Biden, Antony J, Blinken, ”, it’s, ” Livia Albeck, Ripka Organizations: ABC News, Hamas, Mr, ABC, Military Locations: Israel, Gaza, Tel Aviv, United States