Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday announced his post-war plans to maintain military control over Gaza and install local officials to govern the region.
Netanyahu presented his security cabinet with “The Day After Hamas” plan built on basic principles that will guide Israel in future discussions.
The plan said it would enable “local officials” who have “administrative experience” and no ties to “countries or entities that support terrorism” to run hard-hit region.
The proposal makes clear that Netanyahu is hesitant to allow the Palestinian Authority (PA) to govern the Gaza Strip. However, it does not completely rule out the PA’s return to power, only saying it will not allow the administration to return without reformation.
The plan also stipulates that IDF will continue the war until Hamas is eliminated and then will maintain indefinite freedom to operate in Gaza to help stop the resurgence of terrorism in the area.
Netanyahu said Israel would also establish a security buffer zone on the Palestinian side that would exist “as long as there is a security need for it.”
Gaza will also be demilitarized, only allowing “what is required for the needs of maintaining public order, the plan stated. Religious, educational, and welfare institutions will also be “de-radicalized.”
Israel will also maintain security control over the “entire area west of Jordan” to prevent terrorism in the West Bank and Gaza and protect its own back, the plan stated.
The Israeli leader’s plan goes against President Biden’s administration, which requested no reduction in Gaza’s territory.
It also calls for the closure of the Gaza-Egyptian border, where smuggling is prevalent, according to The Times of Israel. Netanyahu explains the closure would be to prevent terrorist activity from restarting.
Netanyahu said he hopes the US and Egypt will help uphold the closure “as much as possible,” despite Cairo’s disapproval of the plan because it said it violated its sovereignty.
Earlier, Cairo officials expressed disapproval that Israel would take control of the corridor, but privately expressed some flexibility, the local outlet reported.
However, the US and Egypt have both expressed hopes of Palestine eventually becoming a recognized state. The Israeli prime minister, however, does not support Palestinian sovereignty.
“The Day After Hamas” principles are not set in stone and serve as a basis in future discussions.
However, Palestine Authority officials believe the plan is “destined to fail.”
“If the world wants security and stability in the region, it must end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and recognize the independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital,” PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh told Reuters.
“Gaza will only be part of the independent Palestinian state … Any plans to the contrary are destined to fail,” he continued. “Israel will not succeed in attempts to alter the geographic and demographic reality in the Gaza Strip.”
With Post Wires.