Israel’s Army chief says troops’ ceasefire positions represent a ‘new border line’

Palestinian Hamas militants and Egyptian workers accompanied by members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) use a digger as they search for remains of hostages under the rubble of the Jabalia refugee camp, in the northern of Gaza Strip on December 1. The second phase of the peace plan is due to start. Photo / Omar Al-Qattaa, AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today that he expected the second phase of the United States-sponsored ceasefire plan for Gaza to begin soon.

He added that he would meet US President Donald Trump this month.

The truce, in effect since October 10, has halted the war that began after Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

But it remains delicate as Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violations.

Under the terms of the ceasefire that entered into force on October 10, Palestinian militants committed to releasing the remaining 47 living and dead captives seized during their October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

All of the hostages have so far been released except for the body of an Israeli police officer.

Speaking after meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said: “We very shortly expect to move into the second phase, which is more difficult”.

The plan’s initial steps saw Israeli troops withdraw to positions behind a so-called “Yellow Line” in Gaza, though still in control of more than half the territory.

Israel’s Army chief, Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, said the demarcation line is a “new border line”, the military quoted him as saying today.

“We have operational control over extensive parts of the Gaza Strip and we will remain on those defence lines. The Yellow Line is a new border line - serving as a forward defensive line for our communities and a line of operational activity,” the Army quoted Zamir as saying to reserve soldiers in Gaza.

The second stage of the Gaza truce plan concerns disarming Hamas, the further withdrawal of Israeli forces as a transitional authority is established, and the deployment of an international stabilisation force.

A final goal of the agreement is the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza in phases if certain conditions are met.

“We have a second phase, no less daunting, and that is to achieve the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza,” Netanyahu said.

Flurry of aid diplomacy

Qatar and Egypt, which helped secure the long-elusive truce, called yesterday for the next steps to be taken including the withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Hamas said on the same day it was ready to hand over its weapons in Gaza to a Palestinian authority on the condition that the Israeli Army’s occupation ends.

Netanyahu also said he would meet Trump later in December to discuss “opportunities for peace” in the region.

The meeting is expected to take place in Washington after the PM’s office said Trump invited Netanyahu to the White House during a phone call last week.

Before Israel, Merz was in Jordan where he urged more humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and US ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz were also in Jordan today to discuss humanitarian aid for the territory.

Waltz is due to travel to Israel after Jordan.

Germany reaffirms support

The German leader, who took power in May this year, has repeatedly criticised Israel’s relentless military campaign in Gaza, which according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.

The war was sparked by the October 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1221 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Merz urged the implementation of the plan’s next steps while reaffirming Berlin’s support for Israel during a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem.

“Germany must stand up for the existence and security of Israel,” Merz said, after acknowledging his country’s “enduring historical responsibility” for the mass extermination of Jews during World War II.

During the press conference with Netanyahu, Merz said criticism of Israel was “possible and sometimes perhaps even necessary”.

“The relationship between Germany and Israel can withstand that. But criticism of the policies of the Israeli Government must not be misused as a pretext for anti-Semitism,” he added.

Merz also underscored German support for a two-state solution.

ICC warrant

Germany had in August moved to restrict German sales of weapons for use in Gaza but has since lifted those export restrictions following the ceasefire.

Despite the truce, more than 360 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to local health authorities, as well as three Israeli soldiers.

Although Merz’s public criticism of Israel was unusual for a German leader, it was measured by international standards.

Nevertheless, Merz said he did not discuss the possibility of Netanyahu’s visit to Germany with the Prime Minister.

The Israeli leader faces an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“I am not going there because of an ICC decision,” Netanyahu said.

Merz this year vowed to invite the Israeli leader and told him he would not be arrested.

-Agence France-Presse