Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has provided a detailed report concerning the post-war situation in Gaza to the security cabinet. His intention is to establish local officials who will take over the responsibility of providing services in Gaza, replacing the control of Hamas which has been ruling the Palestinian enclave since 2007. The document, a page which was released overnight, summarizes the principles highlighted by Netanyahu post the October 7 attack in Israel. This is the first instance of such a document being submitted to the government, which does not include the efforts of UNRWA.
Content of the Document
The report does not particularly state the Palestinian Authority or exclude it from the post-war government of Gaza. However, it does mention the inclusion of local officials who possess administrative experience and who are not associated with countries or entities supporting terrorism. As per Netanyahu’s office, the report is based on principles largely accepted by the public and will serve as a reference for future discussions.
The plan’s first point reiterates that Israeli forces will persist in carrying out military operations in Gaza until their goals are met. These goals include the demolition of the military capabilities and governmental structures of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the return of the hostages kidnapped on October 7, and the elimination of any security threats. The Israeli forces will then maintain freedom to operate in the Strip. The document states, “Israel will maintain freedom of operational action in the entire Gaza Strip, without time limits, aiming to prevent the resurgence of terrorism and foiling threats from Gaza”.
The plan also discusses the Israeli intention to establish a buffer zone on the Palestinian side of the Strip border. “The security space created in the Gaza Strip in the area bordering Israel will exist as long as necessary for security.” And concerning the border with Egypt, Israel will impose a “closure in the south” as a counter-terrorism measure. The document states that the “southern barrier” will function, as far as possible, in collaboration with Egypt and with the assistance of the United States, and will be based on measures to prevent smuggling from Egypt, including “from the Rafah crossing”.
In the intermediate phase, Israel plans to maintain security control over the entire area west of the Jordan river and promote a process of “deradicalization” in Gaza. Netanyahu seeks to terminate UNRWA activities in Gaza and replace them with international humanitarian organizations taking the responsibility.
Netanyahu further reiterates his rejection of international dictates and emphasizes that “Israel will continue to oppose the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state”.
