Netanyahu Halts Gaza Security Force Training Until After Elections
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has halted the training of thousands of Palestinians for a Gaza police force until after the elections, a move already approved by the Shin Bet. This decision is part of broader delays in Gaza-related arrangements, including rehabilitation efforts and the deployment of a multinational force. Netanyahu's office stated the delay is not election-related but due to Hamas's violations, insisting on full disarmament before any reconstruction or security force is established. The delay raises concerns about continued Hamas control and potential renewed terror activity.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu delayed Palestinian police training in Gaza until after elections.
- The Shin Bet had approved 5,000 to 7,000 candidates for the Gaza police force.
- Netanyahu cited Hamas's violations of a 20-point plan as reason for the delay.
- The Prime Minister's office denied the delay was linked to the upcoming elections.
- Concerns exist about continued Hamas control and potential terror activity in Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a significant delay until after the upcoming elections for the departure of thousands of Palestinians to Egypt for training. This training was intended to prepare a Palestinian police force to operate in the Gaza Strip. The Shin Bet security agency had already approved between 5,000 and 7,000 candidates, but the decision to halt the process was made at the political level in recent days. This move is part of a series of Gaza-related arrangements reportedly postponed until after the elections, including preparations for the rehabilitation of Rafah, the entry of a multinational force into the Strip, and the activation of a national committee for Gaza's management, headed by Dr. Ali Shatz. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that directives to postpone these initiatives have been issued sequentially in recent weeks.
One source close to the situation stated that Netanyahu has halted many Gaza-related initiatives, deferring them until after the elections, noting that these approvals would be necessary even without Hamas disarming. However, the Prime Minister's office denied that the delay is linked to the elections. The delay in establishing the police force could have implications for the situation in Gaza, as Hamas militants reportedly continue to exert control in the absence of an alternative force, while the organization rebuilds its strength and collects funds from incoming aid trucks.
Israeli assessments suggest Hamas may renew terror activities against Israel, with the Southern Command preparing for potential attack attempts. The Prime Minister's office responded that the delay is unrelated to the elections. Netanyahu has stated that no rehabilitation or police force will be established in Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed and the entire Strip is demilitarized, citing Hamas's systematic violation of former President Trump's 20-point plan since the release of all hostages. The Shin Bet declined to comment on the report.