Those leading the administration of Gaza must not have connections to organizations or countries that support terrorism, the Israeli government’s plan demands.
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu wants that even after the war, Israel has the right to military operations in Gaza and that Gaza is managed by an expert government.
Netanyahu has published his first plan for the future of Gaza after Israel attacked Gaza in October due to a terrorist attack by Hamas, Israeli newspapers say Haaretz and The Jerusalem Post.
In the war, Israel aims to destroy the military capability and administrative structures of the terrorist organizations Hamas and Jihad, to release the hostages taken by Hamas and to ensure that the Palestinian territory of Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.
Even after the war, Israel wants to maintain military freedom of action in Gaza. Gaza would be demilitarized. In addition, Israel plans to establish a buffer zone on its border with Gaza, as well as prevent smuggling on the border between Egypt and Gaza. Netanyahu hopes for cooperation from Egypt and help from the United States.
Egypt has taken a cautious approach to the idea of Israel bringing its troops to the border between Egypt and Gaza, Haaretz points out.
According to the plan, Israel would monitor security in the West Bank as well.
The Palestinians would be responsible for the internal organization. This refers to the model in effect in the West Bank, where the Palestinians have their own police force, but security is taken care of by the Israeli army, writes The Jerusalem Post.
Radicalism is being eradicated
Netanyahu proposes that after the war, a government consisting of experts would be formed in Gaza. Its members should not have connections with organizations or states that support terrorism, nor should they receive money from them.
The terrorist organization Hamas has ruled Gaza since it won the elections in 2006. In the West Bank, the government formed by the more secular Fatah party holds power.
Israel also wants to permanently abolish the UN organization UNRWA, which has been helping the Palestinians since 1949. In its place, Israel would establish a new international organization.
In addition, it hopes for Arab countries’ help in eradicating radicalism from Gaza’s institutions, such as schools and religious institutions.
In his statement, Netanyahu rejects international attempts to “dictate” a solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and warns against unilaterally recognizing the Palestinian state.
Israel has occupied Gaza and the West Bank since 1967.
Finland supports the two-state model for the solution of the conflict in the Middle East, which would be agreed upon in the negotiations between the parties.