Israeli Ministers Warn Netanyahu Against Gaza Reconstruction Plan

Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Struck have sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing strong opposition to the "Peace Council" plan for Gaza's reconstruction. The ministers argue that the plan, presented at the UN General Assembly, contradicts previous agreements with Israel and effectively revives the rejected "Roadmap" initiative.

The "Peace Council" plan reportedly outlines 66 reconstruction projects for the Gaza Strip totaling $2.45 billion, with an additional $885 million allocated for "security expenses." These security funds include establishing a multinational force (ISF) base in Rafah, initially with 500 soldiers and eventually 5,000, and $20 million designated for "weapons procurement."

Smotrich and Struck are particularly concerned about the plan's phased approach to demilitarization, where new Palestinian governance would enter de-militarized zones, followed by IDF withdrawal and reconstruction. They assert this contradicts a prior agreement with the US and the "Peace Council" stipulating that no reconstruction, foreign troop deployment, or IDF withdrawal would occur before the complete demilitarization of Gaza.

The ministers highlighted several discrepancies, including the plan's proposal for 500 immediate ISF troops and a total of 5,000, versus the cabinet's approval of only 200 ISF soldiers for demilitarization purposes. They also object to the allocation of funds for weapons purchases and the proposed reconstruction of areas near the Israeli border.

In their letter, Smotrich and Struck stated that the "Peace Council" leaders' declaration directly opposes the agreed-upon terms. They warned against the "regional phased approach" and called for a clear, public Israeli rejection of the plan. The ministers emphasized that the plan ignores Hamas's continued armament and attacks, the limited scope of approved foreign troop deployment, the prohibition of weapons procurement while the Palestinian Authority's law is in effect, and Israel's right to prevent reconstruction in border areas posing a threat to its communities.