Story perspectives

Netanyahu Rejects Gaza Pullout, Citing 60% Control

9/3/2026

Summary

Netanyahu Refuses Withdrawal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will not withdraw its forces from the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu visited Gaza for the first time since the October 2025 ceasefire, saying Israel controls 60% of the enclave.
Netanyahu announced the capture of Muein al-Arabid, a Hamas internal security officer, during a Gaza City operation.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, awaiting United States (U.S.) decisions on destinations.

Summary

Shin Bet Captures

Shin Bet special forces and IDF Southern Command captured Muein al-Arabid in a ground raid.
Israel first credited Abu Shabab militia for the capture.
Israel later corrected the attribution to Shin Bet.
Hamas says al-Arabid was wounded and his wife was killed during the raid.
Eyewitnesses reported at least a dozen Israeli airstrikes in western Gaza City, killing three children and a woman.

History

Historical Context

August 2005 Prime Minister Ariel Sharon unilaterally withdrew Israel from Gaza, evacuating over 8,000 settlers and dismantling 21 settlements while keeping air, sea and border control. The plan, approved in 2004 after the Second Intifada, earned United Nations support. In 2024 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu again refuses a pull-out, arguing Israel must maintain security control of the strip.

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Netanyahu Refuses Withdrawal

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will not withdraw its forces from the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu visited Gaza for the first time since the October 2025 ceasefire, saying Israel controls 60% of the enclave.
Netanyahu announced the capture of Muein al-Arabid, a Hamas internal security officer, during a Gaza City operation.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, awaiting United States (U.S.) decisions on destinations.

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