The Diplomatic-Security Cabinet will not convene for a discussion on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip due to a dispute between Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Yisrael Katz, who holds the intelligence and transportation portfolios, over the construction of an artificial island off the Gaza coast.
A month ago, the cabinet discussed the defense establishment's concerns that an exacerbation of the humanitarian situation in Gaza could lead to a military escalation. At the end of the discussion, it was decided that the National Security Council would appoint an emergency task force to prepare a plan of action, including practical proposals to cope with the situation and present it at a follow-up meeting scheduled for three weeks later. That meeting has not been convened, even though the three-week deadline has passed.
One of the more common proposals for de-escalating the situation calls for countries in Europe and the Far East to support Hamas economically – something Israel has already lent its hand to for years. Another proposal involves Katz's plan to build an artificial island off the Gaza coast where a commercial seaport funded by the Europeans would be built, along with a power station, water desalination plant and other essential infrastructure. These facilities would provide jobs, and release Israel from its responsibility for Gaza.
Cabinet ministers and the defense establishment support Katz's proposal, but Lieberman opposes it. According to the defense minister, the island would be a "prize" for Hamas. Katz was able to secure a commitment from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to put his proposal up for a vote at the next cabinet meeting, but due to Lieberman's objections, it appears Netanyahu will hold off for the time being.
Katz and Lieberman's dispute over the island issue also led the two to exchange barbs over the past week.
"The defense minister, right now, is raising funds to transfer to Hamas in Gaza before a collapse," Katz said.
Lieberman rejected the claim and said Katz's actions were politically motivated.
Meanwhile, the United Nations on Tuesday warned that Gaza's emergency fuel reserves, vital to its essential infrastructure facilities, will run out in the next 10 days. The U.N. also cited an "urgent need" for donations.
Also Tuesday, Israel's Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon met with the U.N.'s new humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, Jamie McGoldrick.
