In a video published in English on Wednesday night Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says "Israel has no intention of permanently occupying Gaza or displacing its civilian population."
The video has likely been produced due to the upcoming South Africa vs Israel case at the International Court of Justice, in which South Africa has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
in the video, Netanyahu can be heard saying "Israel has no intention of permanently occupying Gaza or displacing its civilian population. Israel is fighting Hamas terrorists, not the Palestinian population, and we are doing so in full compliance with international law."
"I want to make a few points absolutely clear:Israel has no intention of permanently occupying Gaza or displacing its civilian population.Israel is fighting Hamas terrorists, not the Palestinian population, and we are doing so in full compliance with international law. pic.twitter.com/amxFaMnS0P
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 10, 2024
He highlights that the IDF has attempted to minimize Palestinian casualties through leaflets, providing warnings, and creating safe passage corridors, while Hamas has done its utmost to maximize Palestinian casualties.
"Our goal is to free Gaza of Hamas terrorists and free our hostages," followed by, "Once this is achieved Gaza can be demilitarized and deradicalized, thereby creating the possibility of a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike."
South Africa vs Israel
Much of the legal backing for the case will rest on whether South Africa can prove Israel's intent to commit genocide.
As a result, Israel's case will be based on showing that it provided mitigating measures to keep civilians alive.
In this light, the video can be seen as a summation of Israel's case to the ICJ, and further, as Netanyahu making Israel's case to the world.