Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel must maintain security control over the Gaza Strip “for as long as necessary.” He indicated that he did not see a future administrative role for the Palestinian Authority, at least not in its current form.
During a televised news conference on Saturday night, Netanyahu went beyond his previous statements, publicly outlining his vision for Gaza after the military campaign against Hamas, which controls the enclave. He emphasized the demilitarization of the Palestinian enclave and Israel’s need to enter Gaza at will to address perceived threats.
Netanyahu’s remarks appeared to conflict with the Biden administration, which recently made it clear that there should be no Israeli “re-occupation” of Gaza. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken mentioned the potential for a “transition period” after the war concluded, but insisted that Gaza’s administration should ultimately include Palestinian-led governance and unify Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.
Israel has been unclear about potential administration in Gaza if and when Hamas is removed, as it faces mounting international criticism for the humanitarian crisis and escalating death toll from airstrikes and ground invasion. Health officials in Gaza have reported over 11,000 deaths since October 7.
The war was sparked by a cross-border assault by Hamas on October 7, leading to approximately 1,200 deaths and around 240 individuals taken as hostages to Gaza, according to Israeli officials. Israel’s stated goals for the war include dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities and its rule over Gaza, as well as returning the hostages to their homes.
Netanyahu indicated that the Western-backed Palestinian Authority would not handle civilian affairs in Gaza unless it changes its conduct and President Mahmoud Abbas condemns the October 7 assault against Israel. Netanyahu did not mention the authority by name but noted there would be no administrative role for an entity that teaches hatred of Israel to children and supports assailants convicted of attacks against Israelis.
He emphasized the need for security control in Gaza and the West Bank to combat terrorism, stating that he will not agree to give up security control of Gaza under any circumstances.
A spokesman for Abbas emphasized that any Israeli attempt to separate Gaza from the West Bank was destined to fail, and stability would only be achieved by ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest serving prime minister, has been prosecuting the war amidst declining approval ratings. The ultranationalist parties in his governing coalition do not see the Palestinian Authority as a partner, and there is broad consensus among Israelis that Hamas must be ousted from Gaza.
The Israeli government’s view is that until Abbas directly condemns Hamas for the October 7 attacks, any agreement to install his authority in Gaza as a replacement for the group would make Netanyahu look weak in the eyes of many Israelis.
