Netanyahu and US differ on Gaza’s future leadership post-Hamas
Netanyahu Stands Firm Against Palestinian Authority Taking Control of Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his strong opposition to the Palestinian Authority assuming control of the Gaza Strip if Hamas is removed from power. This further highlights the ongoing divide between his government and the Biden administration.
“As long as I am Prime Minister — this will not happen,” Netanyahu wrote on X, formerly Twitter, in response to a report from Sky News Arabia that Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the PA, which leads the West Bank, has expressed the body’s readiness to assume power in Gaza. “Whoever educates their children for terror, funds terror and supports families of terrorists, could not control Gaza after we eradicate Hamas.”
Netanyahu’s comments, made prior to his recent social media post, underscore the disagreement between him and President Joe Biden. Biden had publicly called for a “revitalized Palestinian Authority” to take over Gaza as part of efforts towards a two-state solution.
State Department’s Vision for a Revitalized Palestinian Authority
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller outlined the vision for a revitalized Palestinian Authority, which includes cracking down on corruption, increased engagement with civil society, and enhancing the capabilities of their security forces.
“If you envision in the post-conflict environment as we do, Gaza and West Bank that are united under Palestinian Authority leadership, you would need to see an increase in the capability of the PA security forces, so it’s those types of reforms and increases in capabilities that we have in mind,” Miller said.
While Israeli leaders aim to remove Hamas from power in Gaza and disarm them, international leaders are still working on a long-term plan for the governance of Gaza if Hamas is no longer in control.
The U.S. opposes the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and any land shifts that would shrink its size. The U.S. also acknowledges that Israeli forces may need to temporarily stay in Gaza after the conflict to prevent a security vacuum.
“I don’t think it would be in anyone’s interest, not Israel’s interest, it wouldn’t be in the Palestinian people’s interest for, at the end of it, major combat operations for Israel to just leave and leave a security vacuum in place where there can be granted lawlessness inside Gaza and innocent civilians exploit it, so we understand there will need to be some transition period at the end of combat operations,” Miller said.
If Israeli forces do remain in Gaza after the war, they would face the risk of counterinsurgency from existing or new terrorist groups in the strip.
The war, which began on October 7, was triggered by a deadly terrorist attack carried out by Hamas. The attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians. The conflict has displaced around 80% of the Palestinian population in Gaza and caused thousands of casualties.
Despite the challenges of fighting in an urban environment against an adversary embedded within civilian communities, the Israeli military continues its campaign.
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In what ways can improving the capabilities of the Palestinian Authority’s security forces support their ability to provide security for their people and govern effectively
, a revitalized Palestinian Authority that is able to govern effectively, it means addressing the issues of corruption, it means addressing the issues of rule of law, the ability for them to effectively engage with their own civil society, to work towards good governance, and to improve the capabilities of their security forces to ensure that they can govern effectively and provide security for their people.”
Miller further emphasized that a Palestinian Authority-led Gaza Strip would contribute to the stability of the region and enhance the prospects for a two-state solution. However, Netanyahu remains unwavering in his stance against such a scenario.
Netanyahu’s Concerns and Response
Netanyahu argues that allowing the Palestinian Authority to assume control of Gaza would endanger Israel’s security. He points to the fact that Hamas, the current governing body in Gaza, is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union.
“We are not ready to allow the Palestinian Authority, which cooperates with Hamas’s terror organization and acts against Israel in international forums, to enter the Gaza Strip bearing the cloak of pacifism. We have seen this movie before. It would be like opening the gates of the city to the wolf in sheep’s clothing,” Netanyahu stated.
Furthermore, Netanyahu highlights the importance of dismantling Hamas, rather than simply replacing one governing entity with another that he believes shares similar ideologies and goals.
The Implications for Israeli-U.S. Relations
This disagreement between Netanyahu and Biden showcases the divergent perspectives on how to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Biden seeks to bolster the Palestinian Authority as a means to promote peace and stability in the region, Netanyahu’s concerns center around ensuring Israel’s security and preventing the empowerment of a potentially hostile governing body.
Issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have long been a point of contention between different administrations in the United States and the Israeli government. It remains to be seen how this disagreement will impact future negotiations and cooperation between the two countries.
Continued Divisions and the Path Forward
The divide between Netanyahu and the Biden administration highlights the ongoing complexities in achieving a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both sides have legitimate concerns and differing strategies for the region.
Resolving this divide requires open lines of communication, a willingness to seek common ground, and creative approaches that address the concerns and aspirations of both parties. It will require delicate diplomacy and active international engagement to forge a path towards a sustainable and just solution.
Only time will tell how this impasse will be resolved, and whether a Palestinian Authority-led Gaza Strip becomes a reality or remains a point of contention in the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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