Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been quietly considering a bold plan for Gaza’s postwar future, according to senior officials in his office. The plan involves sharing oversight of the territory with an alliance of Arab countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the United States.
This proposal, which has not been formally adopted by the Israeli government, would offer normalized relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia in exchange for shared governance of Gaza. The plan also includes appointing Gazan leaders to redevelop the territory, overhaul its education system, and maintain order, with the eventual possibility of a united Palestinian administration governing both Gaza and the West Bank.
While far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition are likely to reject the idea, some Arab officials and analysts have cautiously welcomed the proposal as a sign of greater flexibility among Israeli leaders. However, the plan lacks detail and does not guarantee Palestinian sovereignty, a key requirement for Arab involvement in postwar planning.
The disclosure of this plan comes amid international efforts to secure a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. The businessmen behind the proposal have briefed officials from several Arab and Western governments, including the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the U.A.E., on the plan.
While the proposal faces significant challenges and opposition from some Arab states, it represents the most detailed plan for postwar Gaza that Israeli officials have discussed. It could potentially pave the way for future negotiations and a path towards stability in the region.
