– If necessary, I will give orders for intensive warfare if the ceasefire is broken, says Benjamin Netanyahu in an interview with the Israeli broadcaster Channel 14.
On Thursday, Israel carried out attacks with tanks and warplanes in southern Lebanon after what it describes as ceasefire violations. The Lebanese army has accused the Israelis of repeated violations of the ceasefire that took effect on Wednesday.
When asked about the possibility of reaching an agreement on the hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Prime Minister says that he believes the conditions are better.
– I think conditions have clearly changed for the better, he says without giving any further details.
He also says he is open to a ceasefire in parts of Gaza, but is not ready to end the war against Hamas in the Palestinian territory.
– I am not going to let the counterpart in Gaza rearm up again, so the goal in the north is different than in the south. But my answer is clear: I am ready for a ceasefire in southern Gaza, which I believe can bring the hostages home, says Netanyahu.