The Israeli military will not give up control of the Gaza Strip to external forces once it has finished its operation there, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a meeting with the heads of the municipalities neighboring Gaza, Ynet reported.
According to the Israeli news website, local authorities in border areas demanded that the Israeli prime minister clarify what will happen to the Gaza Strip after the current operation of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ends.
"The Israel Defense Forces will retain control of the Strip, as we will not surrender it to external forces," Netanyahu said in response, as quoted by Ynet.