Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked U.S. President Donald Trump, describing him as “the greatest friend of the State of Israel since forever,” and announced his support for Trump’s plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip, return the hostages, and end Hamas’s rule there.

He continued: Today, we are taking a decisive step towards ending the war in Gaza and paving the way for peace. The plan will ensure that the Gaza Strip will never pose a threat to Israel. Gaza will become a demilitarized zone.

He said: Israel will withdraw from Gaza in line with the extent of Hamas’s disarmament in the area. If Hamas rejects the plan, Israel will complete the mission itself. The Palestinian Authority cannot have a role without structural changes, and Israel will retain responsibility for security in Gaza after the war.