On Tuesday, the US State Department openly criticized Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir for their endorsement of relocating Palestinians outside of Gaza. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, in an unusual move, singled out these far-right ministers, deeming their rhetoric as inflammatory and irresponsible.
This statement reflects a growing sense of frustration in Washington with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. While the Biden administration continues to support Israel in its conflict with Hamas, disagreements have surfaced, particularly concerning the post-conflict plans for Gaza.
For months, Netanyahu has bucked US requests to begin planning for who will govern the Gaza Strip after the war, ostensibly recognizing that his far-right coalition partners would reject proposals that do not include Israel’s re-occupation and re-settlement of Gaza — which the security establishment, Washington and even the premier himself oppose. the US State Department
After a prolonged period of silence on the matter, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated what two US officials referred to last month as a “political campaign.” During this campaign, Netanyahu has consistently pledged to prevent the Palestinian Authority from resuming control over Gaza.
While firmly rejecting the return of the Palestinian Authority, Netanyahu has provided minimal details about the preferred political entity to govern Gaza. Aides, speaking anonymously to reporters, have floated the notion of having “local Palestinian clan leaders” take control of the Strip.