Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Presents Post-War Vision for Gaza
In the midst of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled his vision for a post-war Gaza. The plan, presented to ministers last night, outlines Israel’s intention to maintain security control indefinitely, while allowing Palestinians with no ties to groups hostile to Israel to govern the territory. Notably, the proposal does not mention the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority (PA), which the United States has advocated for as the governing body in Gaza after the war. Netanyahu has previously rejected the involvement of the internationally backed PA in any post-war role.
Under Netanyahu’s plan, Gaza would be “demilitarized,” with Israel taking responsibility for removing all military capabilities beyond what is necessary for public order. Additionally, a “Southern Closure” would be implemented along the territory’s border with Egypt to prevent smuggling. The plan also emphasizes the promotion of “de-radicalization” programs in religious, educational, and welfare institutions, with the involvement of Arab countries experienced in such initiatives.
Netanyahu’s proposal also extends Israel’s security control over the entire area west of Jordan, including land, sea, and air. The Prime Minister has faced pressure both domestically and internationally to present a comprehensive plan for Gaza since the start of the military operation. By outlining his vision, Netanyahu aims to restore his reputation as a leader capable of ensuring Israel’s safety and appeal to right-wing hardliners within his coalition government.
However, Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the PA, dismissed Netanyahu’s plan as doomed to fail. Abbas’s spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, argued that true security and stability in the region can only be achieved by ending Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land and recognizing an independent Palestinian state. Netanyahu, on the other hand, reiterated his rejection of any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state by Western countries.
The United States has also weighed in on the situation, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing opposition to any reoccupation of Gaza by Israel and any reduction in the territory’s size. Blinken made these remarks during a G20 ministers meeting in Argentina, emphasizing that Gaza cannot be a platform for terrorism.
Meanwhile, negotiations are underway to broker a temporary ceasefire and secure the release of Israeli hostages. The US is pushing for a deal to be reached before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in two weeks. International pressure is mounting for an end to the war as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates. According to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, over 29,500 people, mostly women and children, have been killed since the war began in October.
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa), has warned of a “monumental disaster” in Gaza with severe implications for regional peace, security, and human rights. In a letter to the president of the UN General Assembly, Lazzarini highlighted the agency’s dire situation, with Israel calling for Unrwa’s dismantlement and donors freezing funding amid unprecedented humanitarian needs in Gaza.
Netanyahu intends to close Unrwa as part of his post-war plan and replace it with yet-to-be-specified international aid organizations. He has also vowed to continue the war until Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the second-largest armed group in Gaza, are dismantled, and all Israeli hostages are returned. Netanyahu warned that the war could potentially last for “many more months” until the end of 2023.
In a separate development, the United States has criticized Israel’s expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, deeming it inconsistent with international law. Secretary of State Blinken stated that settlement expansion weakens Israel’s security rather than strengthening it. This stance overturns a decision made by the Trump administration in 2019, which was welcomed by Israel, that no longer viewed settlements as breaching international law.
As the Israel-Gaza war continues to unfold, the future of Gaza remains uncertain. The competing visions and interests of various stakeholders, including Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and international actors, will shape the outcome of the conflict and determine the path towards peace and stability in the region.