Netanyahu on Gaza Strikes: Our Decision is Independent of Anyone

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that the decision to launch attacks on the Gaza Strip is "independent," seemingly refuting reports that Israel had received a "green light" from the US on Saturday.

Escalation in Gaza

• Accusing Hamas: Netanyahu claimed that "Hamas does not stop violating the ceasefire," pointing to "several attempts by them to infiltrate our territory behind the Yellow Line and try to harm our soldiers."

• Forceful Response: Netanyahu asserted that Israeli forces thwarted these attempts with "immense force" and responded, saying: "We made them pay a very heavy price. We eliminated a large number of terrorists, as well as terrorists we captured from the Rafah tunnels."

• Civilian Casualties: The escalation follows reports from Gaza's Civil Defense that at least 24 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Saturday.

Extension to Lebanon

• Continued Strikes: Netanyahu affirmed that Israel "will continue to do everything necessary to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its threat to us," noting that the Israeli army attacked Lebanon this weekend.

• Independent Decision: Netanyahu stressed that all talk about needing approval from any source is "pure lies," adding: "We take the decision independently of any factor, and that is how it should be. Israel is responsible for its security."