The White House on Wednesday said the Israeli military would likely have to be responsible for security in Gaza initially after the war if Israel successfully roots out Hamas.
“I think all of us can foresee a period of time after the conflict is over where Israeli forces will likely still be in Gaza and will have some initial security responsibilities,” said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.
The comments are similar to remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. He said that Israel will take over “overall security responsibility” in Gaza for an “indefinite period” after the war, signaling plans for a long-term military occupation.
Kirby also warned Israel against “reoccupying” Gaza, saying it would be a “mistake.” Israel withdrew its troops from Gaza in 2005 but put the enclave under a military blockade in 2007 after Hamas came to power. The blockade was never lifted and gave Israel the ability to impose a “complete siege” after October 7.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday warned Israel against occupying Gaza while acknowledging there will be a transition period after the war. “it is clear that Israel cannot occupy Gaza,” Blinken said. “Now, the reality is that there may be a need for some transition period at the end of the conflict. But it is imperative that the Palestinian people be central to governance in Gaza and the West Bank, as well.”
Biden administration officials have been calling for a two-state solution after the war, but it’s clear that’s not something the Netanyahu government is considering. A leaked document drafted by Israel’s Intelligence Ministry revealed that the Netanyahu government is considering cleansing Gaza of its approximately 2.3 million Palestinian residents by pushing them into Egypt. But the plan is strongly opposed by Cairo.
Besides their plans for Gaza, the Israeli government has prioritized expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and settlers have taken advantage of the current tensions to push Palestinians out of their homes. Since October 7, over 100 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, and nearly 1,000 have been forcibly displaced.
Source: AntiWar.
