Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently stated that plans to evict Gazans and establish Jewish cities in Gaza are not only feasible but are actively underway. This announcement is made against a backdrop of rising tensions and ongoing military operations in the region. Even the Israeli government seems to be reconsidering its long-standing approach to Gaza. This territory, which it disentangled from in 2005, has been described as “militarily unmanageable.”
Then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was ready to leave. His express purpose was to discourage any perception of a transfer of land between Arab peoples. Nevertheless, since then, Israel’s occupation eroded Gaza’s economy and restricted its link with the West Bank economically and geographically. As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly admitted during a recent interview with Fox News, Israel intends to take full control of Gaza. Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi was most forceful in his objection. He announced, “We seek the totality of the Gaza Strip.”
The Israeli security cabinet has announced that troops will soon take control of Gaza City, solidifying military presence in the area. This step is predicted to forcibly remove around one million Palestinians in a three-month span. The current occupation of Gaza has already led to over 60,000 Palestinian deaths and massive destruction of infrastructure including hospitals.
You might think that Israeli leaders are pretty sure they can ride out international condemnation. They intend to raise more aid directly outside the UN system to calm worldwide fury. The Israeli government’s current offensive is supported by various factions within the country, many of whom view this expansion as a step closer to achieving their goal of resettling Gaza.
Opposition remains substantial. Rightly so, as many within the Israeli army and broader Israeli population have shown concern for the government’s plans of resettlement. There is a profound absence of any serious “day after” blueprint for Gaza following military victory. This gap causes grave doubts about the long-term impact of such actions and the possibility of a renewed cycle of violence.
A quick look at the troubled history of Gaza makes it clear that Israel’s way has only perpetuated cycles of violence without bringing any resolution. The Jerusalem Post cautions that Netanyahu’s suggested takeover would ensnare Israel in a perpetual wave of turmoil. They liken the latter to an imminent “Vietnam” for the country.
As military operations drag on, Israeli leaders remain resolute about their conviction to fight this conflict. Netanyahu stated, “We intend to… ensure our security, remove Hamas from there [the Gaza Strip], enable all the population to be free of Hamas and to pass it to civilian governance that is not Hamas nor anyone advocating the destruction of Israel.” Critics claim that this new direction will inflame current tensions and create more humanitarian disasters.
Advocates and opponents both agree on next steps. Yair Lapid even argued that the time has come for the situation to be “closer than ever” to being a productive action plan. Annexing Gaza would impose significant burdens upon Israel and its treatment of Palestinians.
Scott Anderson noted the dilemma faced by nations at war: “It’s a question that has faced peoples and nations at war since the beginning of time.” And he looks back on the awful results that have so frequently come from such struggles. He calls for thoughtful and deliberate action as we seek solutions to these difficult challenges.
