Controlling Gaza: Neccessity for Hamas Elimination, Survival in Politics, and Pressure Tactics in Negotiations - Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed plan for Gaza Strip domination explained.
In a move that could significantly alter the political landscape of the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined a plan to take control of the Gaza Strip. According to reports, the plan aims to dismantle Hamas's military power, secure Israeli control for security reasons, end the current governance by Hamas, resolve the hostage crisis, and reshape Gaza's governance under a non-violent civilian administration.
The plan, which has been approved by Israel’s security cabinet, directs the IDF to occupy Gaza City as a first phase, with an eventual aim to exert operational and full control over all of Gaza. However, it is important to note that Israel does not intend to permanently annex or keep Gaza but hand governance over to another Arab civilian administration.
Netanyahu's political objectives are focused on disarming Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza, to prevent further attacks against Israel. Beyond disarming Hamas, the plan seeks the broader demilitarization of Gaza, eliminating its capacity for armed conflict. Israel intends to maintain overriding security control over Gaza even after the war ends.
Netanyahu also envisions installing an alternative civilian government in Gaza that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority, and that does not promote terrorism. The plan emphasizes the return of all hostages held by Hamas, both living and deceased. Furthermore, the plan involves evacuating about 1 million people from Gaza City into designated humanitarian zones to isolate and besiege Hamas forces within Gaza City.
However, the coalition supporting Netanyahu has never been so fragile, especially since two ultra-Orthodox parties recently left the government. The survival of Netanyahu is conditioned by the occupation of Gaza, according to Adel Bakawan. The total control of Gaza by Israel is seen as a political calculation by researchers, and the occupation of Gaza is seen as a "card" placed on the negotiating table to make Hamas yield, according to Adel Bakawan.
Some Israeli military officials have criticized the plan as militarily risky and potentially playing into Hamas’ hands due to the expected heavy casualties among soldiers and Gazan civilians in urban warfare.
Meanwhile, several Western allies, including France, have announced their intention to recognize a Palestinian state. However, far-right parties, notably the Otzma Yehudit movement and the Religious Zionism party, demand full military control of Gaza, Jewish colonization, and formal annexation of the territory.
During the last talks, Hamas accepted the principle of the American proposal, but with some adjustments, which were rejected by the Israeli security cabinet. Despite this, Netanyahu has managed to stay in power since the October 7 attacks by prolonging the war.
In summary, Netanyahu’s plan for Gaza is a complex political strategy aimed at reshaping the region. While it faces criticism and opposition from various quarters, its implementation could have profound implications for the future of Israel, Gaza, and the broader Middle East.
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- The Israeli government's plan to gain control of the Gaza Strip, as outlined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, includes disarming Hamas, the militant group currently governing Gaza, and seeking the demilitarization of Gaza to prevent further conflicts.
- The controversial plan, aimed at reshaping Gaza's governance, is a significant political move by the Israeli government, and it has sparked debates among researchers, Western allies, and even Israeli military officials, regarding its strategic implications and potential consequences for the region.
