Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel stated that Israel must maintain security control over the Gaza Strip for an indefinite period of time. He also suggested that the Western-backed Palestinian Authority would not have an administrative role in Gaza, at least in its current form.
During a televised news conference on Saturday, Mr. Netanyahu expressed his vision for Gaza after Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, which controls the enclave. He emphasized the need for Gaza to be “demilitarized” and for Israel to have the ability to enter Gaza at will to address perceived threats.
These remarks appear to contradict the Biden administration’s stance, which opposes any Israeli “re-occupation” of Gaza. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken suggested the possibility of a “transition period” after the war, but emphasized that Gaza’s administration must eventually be led by Palestinians and unified with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.
Israel has not specified who would administer Gaza after Hamas is removed, despite facing increasing international criticism for the humanitarian crisis and high death toll resulting from its airstrikes and ground invasion. According to Gazan health officials, over 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7th.
The war was triggered by a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7th, resulting in an estimated 1,200 deaths and around 240 hostages taken to Gaza, according to Israeli officials. Israel’s objectives for the war include dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities, preventing its rule over Gaza, and ensuring the safe return of the hostages.
However, Mr. Netanyahu hinted that the Western-backed Palestinian Authority would not handle civilian affairs in Gaza unless it changes its conduct and condemns the October 7th attack against Israel. The Palestinian Authority has refrained from doing so thus far.
Mr. Netanyahu did not explicitly mention the authority by name, but criticized its alleged teaching of hatred towards Israel, payment of convicted attackers, and lack of condemnation of the Hamas assault. He argued that areas where Israel lacks security control become breeding grounds for terrorism, including the West Bank.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman for President Mahmoud Abbas, emphasized that any attempt by Israel to separate Gaza from the West Bank would fail. In response to Mr. Netanyahu’s remarks, Mr. Abu Rudeineh stated that the consolidation of Israel’s occupation in these areas would not bring security, and stability would only be achieved by ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state.
Mr. Netanyahu, who is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, is prosecuting the war despite declining approval ratings. The ultranationalist parties in his coalition do not view the Palestinian Authority as a partner, and there is a widespread consensus among Israelis that Hamas must be removed from Gaza, although complete elimination is unlikely.
The Israeli government believes that unless Mr. Abbas directly condemns Hamas for the October 7th attacks, any agreement to install his authority in Gaza would weaken Mr. Netanyahu’s image among many Israelis.