Netanyahu avoids public rejection of ethnic cleansing goal in northern Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has reportedly rejected a request from US Secretary of State Blinken to publicly dismiss accusations that Israel is implementing a policy of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza.

According to media reports, Netanyahu and his aides have avoided Blinken's appeal to distance Israel from the so-called "General’s Plan."

During his visit to the Middle East as part of the US's effort to push for a ceasefire, Blinken met with Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer on Tuesday.

The meeting touched on the General’s Plan, which was introduced in September by retired General Giora Eiland.

Critics have condemned the plan, which advocates for the expulsion of Palestinians from northern Gaza and the forced starvation or targeting of those who remain, as a form of ethnic cleansing.

Although Netanyahu reportedly assured Blinken that Israel is not pursuing the plan, he declined to make a public statement to that effect.