On Thursday, ahead of a crucial cabinet meeting regarding the next phase of the Gaza conflict, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel’s plan to take full control of the Gaza Strip. Following this, Israel intends to transfer authority to an unspecified Arab governing body.
Netanyahu explained that a “detailed plan” is being prepared for the new post-Hamas administration. He emphasized that Israel will not serve as the civil government of Gaza, nor will the Palestinian Authority be involved.
When asked during a Fox News interview whether Israel plans to control the entire 26-mile-long Gaza Strip, Netanyahu confirmed, “Yes, we intend to, to ensure our security by removing Hamas, liberate the population from Hamas’ control, and facilitate civilian governance.” However, he made clear, “We do not want to keep control. Our goal is to maintain a security perimeter but not to govern Gaza or act as its governing body.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel aims to “transfer control to Arab forces who will govern responsibly, pose no threat to us, and ensure a better life for the people of Gaza.”
Speaking to a group of visiting Indian journalists, as reported by CNN-News18, Netanyahu clarified, “Our plan is neither to occupy nor annex Gaza. Our objective is to dismantle Hamas, secure the release of our hostages, and then hand over Gaza to a temporary government.”
He emphasized, “We will never hand Gaza over to the Palestinian Authority or Hamas. Israel will maintain overall security with a security perimeter under our control.”
Netanyahu expressed hope for a swift end to the conflict, saying, “The war will conclude quickly. If Hamas lays down arms and releases hostages, it could end as soon as tomorrow. Even Palestinians within Gaza are opposing Hamas.”
However, his remarks were firmly rejected by Hamas, and Jordan responded by insisting that any decisions regarding Gaza’s future must be agreed upon by the Palestinian people.
While Arab states have shown willingness to help rebuild Gaza after the war, they have consistently insisted that the Palestinian Authority (PA) be involved. These countries view the PA’s participation as essential for establishing a diplomatic path toward a two-state solution, with unified governance over both the West Bank and Gaza.
However, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s refusal to include the PA in any post-war Gaza administration has discouraged Arab nations from expressing interest in the role Israel envisions.
Beyond rejecting the PA’s involvement, Netanyahu has largely declined to support any viable alternative to Hamas during the conflict. Critics argue this has prolonged the war, as Hamas remains the dominant Palestinian faction in Gaza.
Netanyahu maintains that no group can replace Hamas in Gaza until the terror organization is fully defeated.
These comments came just before the Israeli security cabinet met Thursday evening to discuss a contentious plan to take full military control of the Gaza Strip.
Israel currently controls approximately 75% of the Gaza Strip but has avoided entering areas where Hamas is believed to be holding hostages. The Israeli military has also refrained from establishing any civilian governance over the Strip’s residents, who have been instructed to evacuate zones where ground operations are underway.
Speaking to Fox News’ Bill Hemmer just before a key cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “We want to free ourselves and the people of Gaza from the terrible terror imposed by Hamas.”
Netanyahu denied any intention to harm civilians and highlighted Israel’s ongoing efforts to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza.
He further explained that the widespread destruction of buildings is due to Hamas rigging every structure with explosives. When the terror group detonates its underground tunnels, it causes the collapse of buildings above. Netanyahu emphasized that these buildings are empty because residents have been ordered to evacuate.
