Netanyahu Halts Gaza Strip Plans Until After Elections

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed several initiatives aimed at stabilizing the Gaza Strip, including training for Palestinian police in Egypt, preparations for a new city in Rafah, and the entry of a multinational force and a national committee to manage the territory. These decisions, conveyed in recent weeks, are reportedly postponed until after the upcoming elections.

The most significant delay concerns the Palestinian police force. While the Shin Bet security agency approved between 5,000 and 7,000 names for police training in Egypt, Netanyahu instructed that their departure be postponed. The Shin Bet had been tasked with security checks for these names as part of implementing a 21-point agreement proposed by former President Donald Trump. Sources indicate the decision to halt these processes originated from the political leadership, not the Shin Bet.

In addition to the police training, plans for the new Rafah city, the multinational force, and the national committee for Gaza's administration have also been put on hold. The committee, established in January and headed by Dr. Ali Sheath, comprises approximately 15 technocrats. Sources suggest political considerations related to the elections are a primary driver for these delays.

One source familiar with the matter stated, "Netanyahu has stopped many initiatives in recent weeks concerning the Gaza Strip, postponing them until after the elections." The source added that these measures were part of an agreement imposed on Israel during the deal to release the last hostages over a year ago. However, without a new police force, Hamas militants continue to control the Strip, rebuilding their strength, imposing authority on civilians, and collecting taxes from incoming trucks.

Intelligence assessments indicate Hamas intends to resume terrorist activities against Israel, potentially through hostage-taking or raids on IDF posts. Southern Command is preparing for various scenarios, acknowledging Hamas's ongoing efforts to prepare for renewed operations. Some senior IDF officials believe a return to fighting in Gaza may become unavoidable. Meanwhile, the US administration seeks to advance the agreement, while key Israeli demands, such as the disarmament and demilitarization of Gaza, remain unresolved.

The Prime Minister's office responded, stating, "Irrespective of the elections, the Prime Minister is not permitting this. Since the release of all hostages, Hamas has systematically violated President Trump's 20-point plan. Therefore, the Prime Minister has made it clear that there will be no reconstruction and no police force in Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed and the entire Strip is demilitarized."