Netanyahu reveals vague postwar Gaza plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled an ambiguous plan outlining his envisioned future for Gaza in a post-Hamas scenario. The proposal includes several key elements, such as the “complete demilitarization” of the enclave, the closure of Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, and a substantial overhaul of the civil administration and education systems in the region.

This plan, which was presented to members of Israel’s security cabinet, is intended to serve as a basis for discussion in preparation for further talks. The unveiling comes in response to weeks of criticism directed at Netanyahu for not presenting a concrete strategy for postwar Gaza.

Israel wants control over the entire area west of the Jordan

The document describes the security, civil administration, and long-term governance plans for the territory. Concerning security, the plan proposes the closure of Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, granting Israel complete control over entry and exit points from the enclave. Currently, Egypt controls access to and from Gaza through the Rafah crossing. The plan expresses the intention for Israel to cooperate “as much as possible” with Egypt, in coordination with the United States. However, it remains uncertain whether Israel has secured Egypt’s approval for this aspect of the plan or any other parts of it.

One crucial assertion in the plan echoes Netanyahu’s previous statements, stating that “Israel will have security control over the entire area west of the Jordan.” This expansive area encompasses not only Gaza but also the West Bank and Israel. The Palestinians, historically aspiring to establish an independent state in the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, may find this assertion a significant point of contention.

Israel wants a totally demilitarized Gaza

According to the plan presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel is set to take on the responsibility of overseeing the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, with an exception for what is necessary to maintain public order. On the civil level, the proposal outlines a revamp of Gaza’s civil administration and education systems. Also, the plan suggests discontinuing funding from Qatar to Gaza, a practice that a previous Netanyahu government had approved.

The plan also outlines that entities managing the civil service in Gaza should not be associated with countries or entities supporting terrorism and should not receive financial support from them. It remains unclear whether this directive also applies to the Palestinian Authority, which the US has suggested should play a revitalized role in governing Gaza.

Furthermore, the plan expresses Israel’s intention to work towards shutting down UNRWA, the main United Nations agency supporting Palestinian refugees, advocating for its replacement with “responsible international aid agencies.” Israel accuses approximately a dozen UNRWA employees of direct involvement in the October 7 Hamas attack. UNRWA currently employs about 13,000 people in Gaza.

Lastly, the plan reiterates Israel’s firm stance against being compelled by the international community to recognize a Palestinian state. It outright rejects international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians, asserting that recognizing a Palestinian state at this point would be perceived as a significant reward for what it describes as “unprecedented terrorism.”

this view is against what the international community wants. The western nations expressed support for a future independent Palestinian state, right after Israel’s prime minister took a strong stance against the two-state solution.

The plan is strongly opposed by the international community

The proposed plan by Netanyahu is facing opposition from key parties. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has rejected the idea of a buffer zone, Egypt opposes Israel controlling its border with Gaza, and EU insists on a clear roadmap towards an independent Palestinian State, a prospect ruled out by Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s commitment to eliminate UNRWA, the main UN aid agency supporting Gaza, would be challenging, especially considering the urgent humanitarian situation. With the UN warning of an imminent famine risk for almost the entire population of Gaza, the task of reconstruction becomes even more daunting.

The plan does not mention the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the occupied West Bank. Netanyahu has previously dismissed the idea of the Palestinian Authority taking control of Gaza, and it remains uncertain whether he would now accept a reconstituted version doing so. The acceptance of such a scenario by Palestinians, especially given their 2006 vote in favour of Hamas, is also unclear.