Israeli Defense Minister Presents Plan for ‘Day After’ in Gaza

Latest Developments

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant released a plan on January 4 for the “day after” the war in Gaza. Israel has been fighting Hamas terrorists in Gaza for three months after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. According to the plan, “Hamas will not control Gaza and will not pose a security threat to the citizens of Israel.” Israel would retain operational freedom in Gaza in terms of defense and security, the plan says. The plan also notes, “There will be no Israeli civilian presence in the Gaza Strip, after the goals of the war have been achieved.”

Expert Analysis

“Planning for the ‘day after’ in Gaza is important. Hamas must be defeated. Once Hamas is defeated, it is essential Gaza not become a threat to Israel and the region again. That requires dismantling the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza. Israel’s defense minister releasing a plan for what comes next in Gaza is a positive development.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“Predictably, Gallant’s day-after plan involves two major goals of Israel’s war against Hamas: the destruction of the terror regime and ensuring that Gaza no longer presents a threat to Israel. What is notable about Gallant’s day-after plan is that it specifically precludes Jewish resettlement in Gaza. While this proposal is likely a trial balloon, it may mark the beginning of what will be a protracted and deeply polarizing debate that has the potential to unravel the current governing coalition in Jerusalem.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

Gallant Plan Includes Four Elements

The Gallant plan, which he presented to the United States, includes four key elements. First, Israel will continue to inspect goods that enter Gaza for security reasons. Second, the plan says, a multi-national task force led by the United States and other international partners will “take responsibility for the rehabilitation of the Gaza Strip.” The plan says this multinational task force will be the “main address for international parties interested in assisting in the restoration of the Gaza Strip.” Third, Egypt will play a key role and be a dialogue partner for the plan. Fourth, in the words of The Times of Israel, “existing Palestinian administrative mechanisms will be maintained, provided that the relevant officials are not affiliated with Hamas.”

IDF Continues to Uncover Terror Infrastructure

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued to uncover terrorist infrastructure in the central Gaza Strip, the IDF said on January 5. “The area contains many high-rise buildings used by Hamas as sites for launching anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles at IDF forces,” the IDF said. “Loaded rocket launchers, buildings rigged with explosives, tunnel shafts, and numerous explosives were found in the area. During combat in the area, forces eliminated terrorists and located and destroyed many shafts.” Footage showed IDF troops destroying tunnels and searching sites.

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“Egypt Proposes Unrealistic Gaza Ceasefire,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel Shifts to ‘Third Phase’ of Gaza War,” FDD Flash Brief

“After Hamas is destroyed, here are the five things that must not happen in Gaza,” by Richard Goldberg