Most Israelis Want Out of Post-War Gaza Governance, Poll Shows

Latest Developments

A significant majority of Israelis do not want to permanently retake the Gaza Strip, a poll found on December 17. The poll published by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that 56% of Israelis would oppose annexing and resettling Gaza, versus 33% who would support such a movement and 11% who were undecided.

Asked who should govern Gaza after Hamas, just 11% of respondents favored the Palestinian Authority, which currently exercises weak control in the West Bank and pays out stipends to reward the families of jailed or slain terrorists. Asked who else they might want to see in charge, 23% of respondents said U.S.-aligned Arab states, 22% said the Israeli military, and 18% said an international coalition.

Since Israel launched its counter-offensive against Hamas, some Western allies have expressed concern that the war could spell a reversal of Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from the territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied having any such intention, though he has said Gaza would have to be under Israeli security control as post-Hamas governance options are explored. His government has been dismissive of the idea of the Palestinian Authority, in its current form, being a candidate.

Expert Analysis

“For all the handwringing about a looming reoccupation of Gaza, it is clear that both the Israeli government and the citizenry are not interested. This war was forced on them by the Hamas atrocities of October 7, and all they want upon its conclusion is a formula to prevent a recurrence. It is similarly clear that Israelis, having a front-row seat to the Palestinian Authority’s corruption, incitement, and fecklessness in addressing terror in the West Bank, are uninterested in seeing that replicated from within Gaza. The Biden administration should take heed that when it champions a ‘revitalized’ PA, this is seen by Israel as a threat to its security.” — Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO

“The post-war situation in Gaza remains uncertain. The governance of Gaza is likely to be a daunting task for any authority, given the immense destruction caused by the war. However, it is crucial for the authority assuming control to be one that can establish a constructive relationship with Israel and ensure mutual security cooperation.” — Joe Truzman, Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

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“IDF Destroys Hamas Battalion Command Center,” FDD Flash Brief

“Palestinian Leaders Make Offers in English, Threats in Arabic,” FDD Flash Brief