WSJ: Israel is developing a plan to create a “new governmental authority” in Gaza

Israeli security officials are working to develop a plan to distribute humanitarian aid in Gaza, which could create a “new governmental authority” in Gaza, the Ynet website reported Thursday.

Israeli and Arab officials told the Wall Street Journal that Israeli security officials are quietly developing a plan to distribute aid in the Gaza Strip that could eventually lead to the establishment of a Palestinian-led governing authority there, sparking a violent reaction from Hamas and creating divisions in the Israeli military Cabinet.

The American newspaper pointed out that a senior Israeli defense official held talks with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan to build regional support for emerging efforts to recruit Palestinian leaders and businessmen with no ties to Hamas in distributing aid.

According to the plan, Palestinian leaders and businessmen not affiliated with Hamas would distribute aid and, after the war ended, gain power, for example in Gaza, by supporting forces funded by wealthy Arab governments. 

On the 140th day of the war on Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented to the security mini-ministerial council a document of principles related to the policy of the “day after” the war in the Gaza Strip, which includes Israel retaining freedom of action in the entire Gaza Strip without a time limit, and establishing a security zone in The Gaza Strip is adjacent to Israeli towns, and the leadership of Gaza is handed over to non-political and unknown entities that are acceptable to Israel, and other points that did not receive the approval of the ministers.