Netanyahu: Israel to keep control of West Bank security

Israel will maintain security control over the entire West Bank, with or without a peace agreement with the Palestinians, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.

Mr Netanyahu was speaking at a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israel captured the West Bank.

He said Israel seeks “true peace” with its neighbours.

“For that reason, in any agreement, and even without an agreement, we will maintain security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River,” he said.

Israel defeated Egypt, Syria and Jordan in June 1967, capturing the West Bank, east Jerusalem, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights and Sinai Peninsula.

The Palestinians seek a future state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with east Jerusalem as its capital.