Published on May 26, 2024, 12:50 am

In the past seven months, Israel has diligently worked to cripple Hamas, devastating its structure, neutralizing combatants and leaving many parts of the Gaza Strip in ruins. Despite this, Hamas proves to be more tenacious than anticipated within Israel’s ranks. Reinitiating rocket attacks into Israeli territories from Northern Gaza and reconsolidating in other regions, it remains an imminent threat.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet faces a new challenge: preventing Hamas from ever posing a threat to Israeli civilians again once Rafah is subdued. The task may seem too daunting for Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz, Netanyahu rival. They have given the Prime Minister until June 8 to devise a post-war blueprint or risk losing their allegiance.

Gallant and Gantz strongly oppose any notion of Israel reinstating occupation over Gaza – an obligation forfeited as far back as 2005. Elevating tension within Netanyahu’s conservative right flank which demands that Israel reassume control over Gaza doesn’t help either. However, Netanyahu only concedes to Israel assuming responsibility for security in the Strip.

Both Gallant and Gantz are unwavering in excluding Hamas from any role in establishing a new administration in Gaza or any government culminating in a Palestinian state creation. They propose four potential resolution paths with variable practical viability for ending the conflict with Hamas.

Amir Avivi, retired Israeli general and former deputy commander of Gaza division implies that maintaining military control is pivotal to hinder Hamas “regrouping.” He suggests a comprehensive overhaul of existing educational system coupled with local leadership instead of negotiating with terror organizations would be instrumental in effectuating change over time.

However, most Israelis express their antagonism towards any prolonged commitment towards governing Gaza even if it revolves solely around fostering order and security. Netanyahu has aspirations about delegating governance to “local Palestinians unassociated with Hamas or the Western-backed Palestinian Authority” while maintaining security control over the region himself.

In glaring opposition to Netanyahu’s vision, Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan dismisses the idea of the UAE’s involvement in any plan that serves as a cover for Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip.

The proposed plan advocates for reforming Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza with support from Arab and Muslim nations such as Saudi Arabia. In return, these countries would receive a U.S defense pact and aid in civilian nuclear program development only if Israel commits to a credible path leading towards eventual statehood for Palestinians. A proposition that has been outrightly ruled out by Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, and Benny Gantz alike citing that it would undeservedly benefit Hamas creating further risks along Israel’s borders.

Hamas proposes their own “win-win” deal claiming it would ensure the release of hostages. This phased agreement involves hostage release in trade off with freedoms for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners including senior militants, Israeli forces withdrawal from Gaza, an extensive cease-fire period and reconstruction initiatives.

This option may potentially consolidate Hamas’s control over Gaza allowing them to rebuild their military prowess. Some Israelis might consider this owing to war-weariness or uncertainty regarding their kin held captive but leaders like Netanyahu, Gallant and Gantz poise themselves against admitting defeat indirectly hinting at the continuation of conflict. As long as Hamas survives, they could possibly reestablish themselves rapidly owing to immense support from wealthy Arab States.

For those seeking trusted news encompassing real news perceived through a Christian worldview lens stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding scenario.