Netanyahu sets strict terms for reconstruction of enclave
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented a plan to his right-wing cabinet that states Gaza’s reconstruction should not start until the enclave is fully demilitarised, according to a document seen by The National.
The two-page document, titled The Day After Hamas, shows Mr Netanyahu’s vision for Gaza’s future, including a series of challenging conditions for the enclave’s rehabilitation after months of war.
Central is the disarmament of the militant group Hamas and other factions, a goal that may present an obstacle to reconstruction efforts.
Mr Netanyahu’s plan also calls for the closure of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), the establishment of a security zone along Gaza’s border, and sustained Israeli military autonomy in the long term.
“Rehabilitation of the strip will be possible only after the completion of demilitarisation and the beginning of the de-radicalisation process,” the document reads.
“The rehabilitation programme will be carried out with funding and leadership by countries accepted by Israel.”
Mr Netanyahu’s political legacy has been heavily tainted by security failures during the Hamas attacks on October 7, and he faces calls to resign.
According to the document, he has promised “complete demilitarisation in the Gaza Strip from any military capability, beyond what is necessary for maintaining public order”.
Israel “will maintain operational freedom of action throughout the Gaza Strip, without time limitation”, and that “the security zone established in the Gaza Strip along the border with Israel will exist as long as there is a security need for it”, he added.
Israel will establish a “Southern Closure” on Gaza’s border with Egypt “to prevent the renewed empowerment of terrorist elements in the Gaza Strip”, the document reads.
Arab diplomats have said that the future governance of Gaza should be discussed only after the war ends.
But Mr Netanyahu’s vision
Netanyahu’s vision states that Gaza’s civil administration and public order will fall to ‘local elements’
states that the civil administration and responsibility for public order “will be based on local elements with management experience”.
It also says that a “comprehensive de-radicalisation programme will be promoted in all religious, educational, and welfare institutions in the Gaza Strip, as much as possible with the involvement and assistance of Arab countries”.
In addition, Israel “will act to close UNRWA” and replace it with “other responsible international aid agencies”.
Last month, Israel said 12 of the agency’s employees took part in the October 7 attacks. More than 16 countries suspended funding to the UNRWA because of the allegations.
In his vision, Mr Netanyahu vowed to “oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state”, saying that “such recognition in the aftermath of the massacre on October 7 would grant an unprecedented reward to terror”.
A Palestinian diplomat told The National that the plan was “a prescription for an endless war, a hideous occupation and Israel’s ultimate control of the Gaza Strip”.
“More importantly, this document is a spit in the face of the international community,” the diplomat said.