After being criticized for not discussing the "day after" Hamas in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented his principles for the post-war reality to the government overnight Thursday. According to the Prime Minister's Office, this is a "document of principles reflecting a broad public consensus on the goals of the war, and the civil alternative to the terrorist organization's rule in the Gaza Strip."
In the immediate timeframe, the document states that as a prerequisite for reaching the "day after", the IDF will continue fighting until it achieves its goals: destroying Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad's military capabilities and governing infrastructure, returning the kidnapped [soldiers], and preventing the threat from Gaza Strip long term.
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In the interim period – the document details two dimensions: military and civilian. On the first, according to the text, "Israel will maintain operational freedom throughout the Gaza Strip, with no time limit, to prevent the resurgence of terrorism and thwart threats from Gaza."
It also states that the security buffer being established in the Gaza Strip, in the area bordering Israel, will remain as long as there is a security need; Israel will maintain a "southern closure" on the Gaza-Egypt border, to prevent the re-armament of terror groups in the strip; Israel will control security west of the Jordan [River], including the Gaza envelope area, to foil terrorism and prevent threats to Israel, and Gaza will undergo demilitarization of all military capabilities.
On the civilian front, according to the proposal's content, responsibility for public order will be based on local actors with "management experience," – not identified with countries or agencies supporting terrorism; a de-radicalization program will be promoted in all religious, educational, and welfare institutions in the strip; Israel will work to close UNRWA and rehabilitation of the strip will only be possible after completing demilitarization.
Long-term – Israel outright rejects international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians. "Such an agreement will only be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties, without preconditions," it says.
Israel will continue to oppose unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. "Such recognition following the massacre of October 7, will give an enormous prize for unprecedented terrorism and prevent any future peace agreement," the text says.
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