The prime minister's statement comes after a reportedly tense conversation with German Chancellor Fredrich Merz regarding Germany's halting of military aid to Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the IDF would only be expanding operations to demilitarize Hamas in a statement on X/Twitter on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that Israel's goal is not to take over Gaza, but to free Gaza from Hamas and enable a peaceful government to be established there,

Prime Minister Netanyahu clarifies Israel’s objectives in Gaza, stating the plan approved by the Cabinet aims to demilitarize Gaza, establish a peaceful civilian administration, and prevent future threats to Israel,