Israel is exploring the possibility of an alternative local governing body for Gaza, as stated by the defense minister on Sunday. He proposed a future without Hamas but did not identify who the potential challengers might be.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant made these comments amidst new uncertainties in the ongoing war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing pressure to consider a new cease-fire deal proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden, while his far-right allies threaten to destabilize his government if he agrees.
Gallant, a member of Israel’s War Cabinet, emphasized the need for a detailed postwar plan for Gaza. He mentioned in a briefing that the goal is to find a governing alternative to Hamas by isolating certain areas, removing Hamas operatives, and introducing other forces to facilitate the formation of a new governing body.
Despite the challenges, a defense official revealed that Gallant aims to establish isolated, Hamas-free zones in Gaza that could potentially become local government hubs. The official pointed out that Israel is seeking “local non-hostile actors” to take on leadership roles, with the belief that Palestinians should govern themselves.
However, an expert cautioned that previous attempts at this approach have failed, citing the risks involved for any local leader who challenges Hamas’s authority. The analyst emphasized that Hamas still holds significant influence over the public, making it difficult for alternative forces to gain traction without constant Israeli support.
Netanyahu has indicated that Israel will retain security control over Gaza but delegate civilian administration to non-Hamas affiliated Palestinians. The U.S. has proposed a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza with the backing of Arab and Muslim nations.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with ongoing efforts to reach a cease-fire agreement that addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
