Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has been quiet about Gaza’s postwar future for months, trying to juggle the demands of his far-right allies and international partners. However, behind the scenes, senior officials in his office have been discussing a detailed plan for Gaza’s future that involves sharing oversight with Arab countries and the United States in exchange for normalized relations with Saudi Arabia.
This proposal, which has not been formally adopted by the Israeli government, aims to appoint Gazan leaders to redevelop the territory, overhaul its education system, and maintain order with the help of an Arab-Israeli alliance. After a period of 7-10 years, Gazans would vote on whether to join a united Palestinian administration governing both Gaza and the West Bank.
While some Arab officials and analysts find the proposal unworkable due to the lack of a clear path to Palestinian statehood, others cautiously welcome it as a step towards flexibility in Israeli leadership. The plan also suggests continued Israeli military operations in Gaza, which could be a sticking point for some Arab partners.
This detailed plan is the most comprehensive postwar Gaza proposal discussed by Israeli officials, revealing internal Israeli thinking on the matter. Despite the potential challenges in securing Arab involvement, the proposal represents a significant shift in Israeli government discussions about Gaza’s future.