Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented his “post-Hamas” plan to members of the Political and Security Cabinet. One of the main points is the establishment of a civilian body responsible for the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and which will preserve the IDF's freedom of action. “Israel will maintain operational freedom of action throughout the Gaza Strip without any time limit, with the aim of preventing the resurgence of terrorism and deterring threats from Gaza,” says the beginning of the document presenting the plan.
Regarding the Rafah crossing, the plan stipulates that Israel will take measures to prevent the transfer of ammunition to the Gaza Strip. Israel will maintain a “southern closure” on the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent the rise of terrorist elements in the Gaza Strip. The Southern Barrier will be operated wherever possible in cooperation with Egypt and with support from the United States and will be based on measures to prevent smuggling from Egypt by both land and sea routes, including the Rafah border crossing.
In addition, the Gaza Strip will be completely demilitarized and will have no military capacity beyond what is necessary to maintain public order. “The responsibility for achieving this goal and monitoring its existence for the foreseeable future lies with Israel.” Mr. Netanyahu also stressed that Israel would work to ensure the closure of UNRWA “and its replacement with responsible international aid organizations.”
Benjamin Netanyahu concluded by once again rejecting the unilateral establishment of a Palestinian state: “Israel categorically rejects international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians.” “Israel will continue to speak out against the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Such recognition after the October 7 massacre would be an enormous reward for unprecedented terrorism and would prevent any future peace solution,” he reiterated.