Netanyahu Unveils Bold Plan for Gaza’s Future Post-Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed a comprehensive plan for the future of Gaza after Hamas, aiming to bring stability and security to the region. The plan includes the complete demilitarization of Gaza, the closure of its southern border with Egypt, and an overhaul of the territory’s civil administration and education systems.
Netanyahu presented the plan to members of Israel’s security cabinet, distributing it as a basis for discussion and preparation for further talks. This comes after weeks of criticism directed at the prime minister for not having a concrete plan for a postwar Gaza.
The plan coincides with Israel sending a negotiation team to Paris to pursue talks on a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal. The four-month-long war has resulted in over 29,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the enclave’s ministry of health. Israeli authorities report that Hamas’ attack on October 7 killed 1,200 people in Israel.
The plan outlines several principles, addressing security, civil administration, and long-term governance. On the security front, Israel aims to close off Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, granting Israel complete control over entry and exit points. The plan emphasizes cooperation with Egypt and coordination with the United States.
While it remains unclear whether Israel has obtained Egypt’s approval for this aspect of the plan, an Israeli official stated that the plan is “aligned” with the US. However, there has been no immediate official US reaction to the proposal.
Netanyahu’s plan asserts Israel’s security control over the entire area west of Jordan, encompassing the West Bank, Israel itself, and Gaza. Palestinians have long sought an independent state in these occupied territories.
Regarding civil administration, Netanyahu proposes an overhaul of Gaza’s civil service and education systems. The plan suggests cutting off funding from Qatar to Gaza, which a previous Netanyahu government had approved and facilitated. The plan also states that local entities running the civil service should not be associated with countries or entities that support terrorism.
The plan also addresses the need for “de-radicalization” in Gaza’s education system, which has been accused of promoting antisemitism and hatred towards Israel. Netanyahu reiterates Israel’s intention to shut down UNRWA, the main United Nations agency supporting Palestinian refugees, and replace it with responsible international aid agencies. Israel accuses several UNRWA employees of direct involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack.
Finally, the plan emphasizes Israel’s rejection of international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. Netanyahu argues that recognizing a Palestinian state now would be a “huge reward to unprecedented terrorism.”
However, many key parties oppose several proposals in the plan. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has already rejected the idea of a buffer zone, while Egypt rejects the suggestion of Israeli control over its border with Gaza. The United Arab Emirates has also stated that without a clear roadmap towards an independent Palestinian state, it will not contribute to Gaza’s reconstruction.
The plan does not mention the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the occupied West Bank. Netanyahu has previously rejected the idea of the Palestinian Authority taking control of Gaza. It remains uncertain whether he would now accept a reconstituted version of the authority assuming control, and it is unclear if Palestinians would accept this arrangement.
Netanyahu’s immediate priority is to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of over 100 hostages kidnapped on October 7 who remain in Gaza. Talks to resolve the hostage situation are a key goal for the delegation sent to Paris. The international community hopes that a deal will prevent a ground operation in Rafah, which could significantly increase the death toll in Gaza.
Observers believe that elections in Israel are inevitable once the war concludes, with Netanyahu and his allies predicted to lose. However, it is uncertain whether a different leader, such as Benny Gantz, would have a significantly different vision for Gaza.
In conclusion, Netanyahu’s plan for Gaza’s future post-Hamas presents a bold vision for stability and security in the region. While facing opposition from key parties and uncertainties regarding its implementation, the plan aims to address security concerns, overhaul civil administration and education, and reject international pressure for a Palestinian state. The success and feasibility of the plan remain to be seen as the conflict continues to unfold.
