Netanyahu says Israel will not leave Gaza until Hamas is eliminated

Israel will not leave its positions in the Gaza Strip until Hamas is completely eliminated, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video address posted on his Facebook page, Report informs.

According to the Israeli prime minister, the White House believes it can force Hamas to disarm and turn the Gaza Strip into a demilitarized zone. However, Israel does not agree with the proposed plan, the Peace Board's Gaza settlement proposal, and has already sent its comments and remarks.

"This is not our plan. We stand firmly behind our interests," Netanyahu said.

The Israeli prime minister also said he had ordered soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces to do everything necessary to protect themselves, the territory of the state and Israeli citizens.