Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that Tel Aviv does not need permission from anyone to strike targets in Gaza or Lebanon, despite agreeing to the recent ceasefire reached through American mediation.
Netanyahu stated during a government meeting: "Israel is an independent state, and we are not prepared to tolerate attacks against us. We respond to attacks as we see fit... We do not seek permission from anyone to do so. We control our security."
Netanyahu's statement came after a week that saw consecutive visits from senior American officials seeking to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza amid ongoing security tensions.
He also affirmed that Tel Aviv will determine on its own which countries are allowed to participate in the international security force set to be deployed in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu, who opposes Turkey's participation in this force, clarified: "We have made it clear, with respect to the international forces, that Israel will determine what forces are unacceptable to us."
This international force, agreed upon as part of the ceasefire, is expected to include elements from Arab and Islamic countries with the aim of supporting security in war-torn Gaza and ensuring the stability of the ceasefire.
Israel is an independent state, and we are not prepared to tolerate attacks against us.
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Netanyahu: "Israel" will not ask for permission to strike Gaza or Lebanon and will determine on its own the countries participating with international forces in the sector.