Security Cabinet informed
Netanyahu explains plans after Gaza war
February 23, 2024, 5:24 a.m
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For the first time, Israel’s prime minister informs the security cabinet about his ideas after the end of the war: Netanyahu does not envisage a two-state solution, nor does he envisage Israeli repopulation. Instead, the search for suitable personnel begins on the Palestinian side.
According to a media report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented his plan for the administration of the Gaza Strip after the war to the Security Cabinet. This envisages – as Netanyahu has repeatedly confirmed – full security control over the entire coastal area by the Israeli military, the newspaper “The Times of Israel” reported that night.
Regarding the future administration of the Gaza Strip, the policy document states in vague terms that it would be led by “local officials” with professional experience. These will be people who have no connections to “countries or organizations that support terrorism”.
The Palestinian Authority (PA), which governs the West Bank, is not explicitly named in the plan, the report said. However, this does not exclude their participation in the future administration of the Gaza Strip. The plan is largely based on well-known principles that Netanyahu has repeatedly expressed since the beginning of the war. But it was the first time that they were formally presented to the cabinet, the newspaper wrote.
USA votes for two-state solution
The USA is relying on a revamped PA led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and wants it to take back control in the Gaza Strip. Israel rejects this and accuses the autonomous authority of supporting terror. But Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has also so far rejected calls from some right-wing extremist ministers in his government for the repopulation of the Gaza Strip.
The USA, as Israel’s most important ally, is committed to a two-state solution that envisages the peaceful coexistence of Israel and a future Palestinian state. Even in the event of an agreement with the Palestinians, Israel claims comprehensive military control over all Palestinian territories. Netanyahu recently made it clear that this includes the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.