Netanyahu says at least 13,000 terrorists among Palestinians killed

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told a German newspaper that at least 13,000 terrorists were among Palestinians killed during Israel's air and ground assault on Gaza.

In an interview with Germany's Bild newspaper, Netanyahu was quoted as saying that an extension of Israel's offensive into Rafah in southern Gaza was key to defeating Hamas.

"We are very close to victory ... Once we begin military action against the remaining terror battalions in Rafah, it is only a question of weeks" until the intensive phase of fighting is concluded, he said.

Three quarters of Hamas battalions had been destroyed and halting the offensive now would only allow them to regroup, Bild quoted Netanyahu as saying.

Bild made excerpts of the interview, which was jointly held with Politico and German broadcaster Welt TV.