US Secretary of State Reaffirms Stance on Gaza Strip
Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State of the United States, reiterated on Friday, the 23rd, that the U.S. does not support a potential Israeli “reoccupation” of the Gaza Strip. This statement comes in response to Israel’s recent proposal to take control of the Palestinian enclave’s security. Furthermore, Blinken asserted that the U.S. does not favor any reduction of the Gaza Strip’s territory.
Blinken’s Press Conference in Argentina
During a press conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where Blinken is currently visiting officially, he was questioned about this matter. The top U.S. diplomat admitted he had not reviewed the specifics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal and said he would like to withhold his opinion until further consideration.
U.S. Position on Gaza Strip
Blinken, however, reminded the audience that for several months, the U.S. stance has been that the Gaza Strip should no longer serve as a “platform for terrorism”. Despite this, he reiterated that the U.S. does not endorse an Israeli “reoccupation” or a reduction of the enclave’s territory.
Consistency with U.S. Principles
“We want to ensure that any plan aligns with these principles,” Blinken emphasized. He made these comments while addressing the press alongside Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino.
Praise for Argentina’s President
The U.S. Secretary of State also commended Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, for his strong condemnation of an attack by the terrorist group Hamas on Israel on October 7.
Netanyahu’s Plan for Gaza Strip
Following four and a half months of war in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed his plan for “the day after” the conflict. The plan envisions a demilitarized enclave where Israel is responsible for security and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is nonexistent.
The Proposal
Netanyahu’s proposal, which was presented to the war cabinet for approval on Thursday night and revealed by his office on Friday, highlights immediate objectives. These include dismantling the military abilities and government infrastructure of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the other terrorist group operating in the region, freeing hostages, and preventing Gaza from re-emerging as a threat.
Medium-Term Goals
In the medium term, Netanyahu envisages a Strip where Israel retains the liberty to conduct military operations indefinitely. This includes a security perimeter on the border and Israeli oversight of the border between Gaza and Egypt to prevent the resurgence of “terrorist elements”.
Details of the Plan
The plan, dubbed “The Southern Fence”, would operate in cooperation with Egypt and with support from the United States. It is based on measures to prevent smuggling from Egypt, both via subterranean and aerial routes, including the Rafah crossing.
Long-Term Goals
Netanyahu’s long-term objectives involve maintaining Israeli security control over the West Bank and Gaza. In the enclave, he suggests “complete demilitarization”, beyond what is necessary for maintaining public order. Netanyahu also rejects the notion of a Palestinian state or any “international dictates about a permanent agreement” and anticipates the end of UNRWA, which he asserts was involved in the October 7 massacre.
