Netanyahu Unveils Plan for Gaza’s Future Post-Hamas: Complete Demilitarization and Overhaul of Administration
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented a comprehensive plan for the future of Gaza after Hamas. The plan includes the complete demilitarization of the enclave, the closure of Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, and an overhaul of the civil administration and education systems in the region. Netanyahu faced criticism for not having a concrete plan for post-war Gaza, and this proposal is expected to address those concerns.
The plan, obtained by CNN, was presented to Israel’s security cabinet and distributed as a basis for discussion. It comes as Israel sends a negotiating team to Paris to pursue talks on a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal. The war in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 29,000 people, according to the ministry of health in the enclave, with Hamas’ attack on October 7 alone claiming the lives of 1,200 people in Israel.
The plan outlines several principles, including changes on the security and civil levels, as well as long-term plans for governance. On the security front, Israel aims to close off Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, giving Israel complete control over entry and exit from the enclave. The plan emphasizes cooperation with Egypt and the United States in this regard. However, it is unclear whether Egypt has agreed to this element of the plan.
Netanyahu’s proposal asserts Israel’s security control over the entire area west of the Jordan River, which includes the West Bank, Israel, and Gaza. This contradicts the Palestinians’ long-standing desire for an independent state in the occupied territories. Israel will be responsible for overseeing the demilitarization of Gaza, except for what is necessary to maintain public order.
On the civil level, Netanyahu’s plan calls for an overhaul of Gaza’s civil administration and education systems. It includes a cut-off of funding from Qatar to Gaza, which was previously approved and facilitated by a previous Netanyahu government. The plan also states that the civil service in Gaza should not be associated with countries or entities that support terrorism and should not receive payment from them. While this likely refers to Qatar, it is unclear if it would also apply to the Palestinian Authority, which the US has suggested should govern Gaza in the future.
The plan also addresses the issue of de-radicalization in the education system, which has been accused of promoting anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel. Netanyahu’s proposal aims 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 being directly involved in the October 7 Hamas attack.
Finally, the plan reiterates Israel’s rejection of international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. Netanyahu argues that recognizing a Palestinian state now would be a reward for terrorism.
However, many of these proposals face opposition from key parties. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has already rejected the idea of a buffer zone, while Egypt has rejected the suggestion of Israeli control over its border with Gaza. The United Arab Emirates has stated that it will not help foot the bill for Gaza’s reconstruction without a clear roadmap towards an independent Palestinian state.
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, and it is uncertain if he would accept a reconstituted version of it. Additionally, it is unclear if Palestinians would accept this arrangement, especially considering that more of them voted for Hamas in the 2006 elections.
For now, Netanyahu’s priority remains destroying Hamas and securing the release of over 100 hostages kidnapped on October 7. Talks to resolve this issue are ongoing in Paris. The international community hopes that a deal can be reached to prevent a ground operation in Rafah, which could further escalate the death toll in Gaza.
While it is predicted that Netanyahu and his allies will lose in upcoming elections, it is uncertain if a different leader would have a significantly different vision for Gaza. Benny Gantz, a war cabinet member and former opposition leader, is considered a potential favorite, but his stance on Gaza remains unclear.
In conclusion, Netanyahu’s plan for Gaza’s future post-Hamas aims to address the security, civil, and governance challenges in the region. However, it faces opposition from various parties, and its feasibility remains uncertain. The ongoing negotiations and the outcome of future elections in Israel will likely shape the direction of Gaza’s future.