Just hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was interviewed by Fox News and said that the Gaza Strip would be under Palestinian control at the end of the war, MK Dan Illouz of the Likud party published a scathing editorial for the same network attacking those who call for the transfer of control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority at the end of the fighting." It is important today to be clear before international pressure begins," writes Illouz, undermining the perception led by Netanyahu and the war cabinet to obscure the question of the day after.
Netanyahu made it clear in an interview tonight that Israel does not intend to control or occupy the Gaza Strip, while opposition leader Lapid said in another interview that control of the Gaza Strip should be transferred to the PA on the way to establishing a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu: "After the war, Gaza will no longer be a threat" // GPO
Blinken made similar remarks this week, but Israel is still dealing with this question only behind the scenes, under the guidance of the National Security Council, and no scenario has been determined for the question of the day after. Those who want to see the PA control the Gaza Strip enter the vacuum, while Netanyahu's Likud members express a completely opposite position. "In the wake of incessant attacks by Hamas, a misguided chorus of voices advocates empowering the Palestinian Authority as a stabilizing solution. This proposal is not only flawed but dangerous," wrote MK Illouz.
"The Palestinian Authority's notorious policy of paying for murder stands as clear evidence of its true priorities and loyalty. By rewarding terrorists and their families financially, the Palestinian Authority is essentially rewarding acts of terrorism and feeding a cycle of violence that prevents any possibility of peace. Moreover, the PA's education system is steeped in hatred and incitement. Textbooks used in PA schools glorify terrorists and what they claim is "martyrdom," presenting them as role models for young Palestinians. Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority, is a notorious Holocaust denier. In addition, Abbas' consistent failure to unequivocally condemn Hamas attacks establishes his position on the wrong side of history."
"Even if we were to ignore these bright red flags, the events following Israel's withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, when full control was handed over to the PA, serve as a warning signal. The PA's inability to maintain control led to a violent takeover by Hamas, demonstrating the weakness of the Palestinian Authority and its inherent instability.
Netanyahu: "The Gaza Strip will be under Palestinian control at the end of the war," Photo: IDF Spokesperson
"We must approach the future with clarity and realism, recognizing the role played by the PA in perpetuating the conflict. As we seek to build a future of stability and peace, we must also hold accountable those who have undermined these very goals.
"The international community must join us in recognizing the Palestinian Authority for what it is: a destabilizing force, an accomplice to terrorism and violence."
Addressing Israel Hayom, MK Illouz said: "They say 'no' to Hamas, but also to the PA. Just as the prime minister was clear when he said that the Gaza Strip would not be under the control of Hamas, we should all be clear about the Palestinian Authority, which continues to support murderous terrorism. This already needs to be explained to the world before there is tremendous international pressure on the issue. The PA is not a partner."
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