Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled readiness for a “partial” agreement that might secure the release of some hostages still detained in Gaza, although not all.

He emphasized, however, his refusal to endorse any agreement that demands an end to Israel’s ongoing conflict with Gaza despite U.S. claims suggesting an Israeli proposal could serve as a catalyst for ending the offensive.

“The objective is to retrieve the kidnapped individuals and dismantle the Hamas regime in Gaza,” he revealed in an interview with Israeli news station Channel 14 on Sunday.

In Israel, tens of thousands continue to protest against Netanyahu and his administration, calling for early elections and a deal to return the captives.

Last month, U.S. President Joe Biden introduced a proposal for a ceasefire, offering a six-week truce that includes the release of certain Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. These exchanges would pave the way for negotiating a lasting ceasefire.

Despite U.S. claims that Israel was the author of the proposal, Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, have insisted on continuing the fight against Hamas and have not publicly endorsed the ceasefire plan.

Netanyahu mentioned to Channel 14 that the "intense" military operation in Gaza's southern city, Rafah, is nearing completion.

“The intense phase of fighting against Hamas is almost over,” he stated. “However, this does not imply that the war itself will end; just that this specific phase in Rafah is nearing its conclusion.”

‘Civilian administration’

In his first interview with Israeli media since the Gaza conflict began, Netanyahu once again dismissed the possibility of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority taking over governance in Gaza from Hamas.

“We also aim to establish a civilian administration, ideally with local Palestinians and possibly with external support from regional countries, to manage humanitarian assistance and eventually oversee civilian affairs in the area,” he elaborated.

“Ultimately, two things must be achieved: continuous demilitarization by the [Israeli military] and the establishment of a civilian administration.”

For over eight months, the conflict in Gaza, triggered by a Hamas-led attack on Israel, has left 1,139 people dead, with many hostages still held in Gaza.

Israel’s military actions in Gaza have since led to the deaths of at least 37,598 individuals, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

Troops to be redeployed towards Lebanon

Netanyahu expressed that troops would soon be reassigned to the northern border with Lebanon but stressed that this move would be for “defensive purposes.”

“Once the intense phase ends, we can transfer some of the forces north. We will do this mainly for defensive reasons and to bring our [evacuated] residents back,” he told Channel 14.

“We prefer to handle this diplomatically if possible. If not, we will find other ways to bring [the residents] back,” he added.

Since the onset of the Gaza conflict, thousands have been displaced from northern Israel and southern Lebanon due to frequent skirmishes between Israeli forces and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters.