Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel would not support a Palestinian Authority -led government in Gaza after it completes a war to eliminate Hamas in the territory, going against pressure from the U.S.
The Biden administration has consistently stressed that Israel should refrain from “reoccupying” Gaza once the conflict concludes. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized this stance recently, stating that the Palestinian Authority, governing the West Bank, should assume control.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated on Saturday that Israel intends to maintain “overall security control” in Gaza, including the ability to enter the territory to eliminate terrorists if necessary. He emphasized that there will not be room for the presence of Hamas or a civil authority that promotes hatred towards Israel. Netanyahu’s recent comments about an “indefinite” military control of Gaza post-war have raised concerns in Washington, where there are fears that such a move could destabilize the Middle East. a Palestinian Authority
It’s worth noting that Israel previously occupied Gaza from 1967 to 1996, and while the formal occupation ended, the territory has faced severe restrictions through border controls. President Biden, in a conversation with the Omani sultan, highlighted the importance of an independent Palestinian government and state, considering it a crucial aspect of the administration’s Middle East strategy.
Netanyahu did not name a proposal for a new post-war government in Gaza, implying that Israeli control of the territory is a red line in U.S.-Israeli relations.
“There needs to be something else there. But in any case, we must have security control,” he said. “I insist upon it. There may be pressure on this issue. I don’t intend to cave.”
The Israeli military is in the midst of a ground invasion of northern Gaza amid its war with Hamas, and has surrounded Gaza City, the largest settlement.