The document distributed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlines a proposed “day after” plan for Gaza, marking his first official proposal for post-war arrangements in the Palestinian territory. According to the plan, Israel would retain security control over all land west of the Jordan River, including the occupied West Bank and Gaza, territories crucial for the Palestinians’ aspiration to establish an independent state.
In the document, Netanyahu rejects the idea of unilaterally recognizing a Palestinian state and emphasizes that a settlement with the Palestinians can only be achieved through direct negotiations between the two parties. However, the plan does not specify which Palestinian entity would be involved in these negotiations.
Regarding Gaza, the proposal highlights demilitarization and deradicalization as medium-term goals. While the document does not specify the timeline for this phase or how long it would last, it conditions the rehabilitation of the Gaza Strip on its complete demilitarization.
Netanyahu’s plan also suggests Israel’s presence on the Gaza-Egypt border, collaborating with Egypt and the United States to prevent smuggling attempts, particularly at the Rafah crossing. Additionally, it proposes working with non-affiliated local representatives to replace Hamas rule in Gaza while maintaining public order.
Furthermore, the plan calls for the shutdown of the UN Palestinian refugees agency UNRWA and its replacement with other international aid groups. The Prime Minister’s office stated that the document reflects broad public consensus on the goals of the war and the desire to replace Hamas rule in Gaza with a civilian alternative.
