Gazan Prefers Eisenkot as Israeli PM, Cites Peace and Work Permits
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
A Gaza Strip resident told an Israeli reporter he prefers Gadi Eisenkot over Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel's prime minister, believing Eisenkot would bring peace and restore work permits for Gazans. The resident detailed hopes for IDF withdrawal, return of homes, jobs, and renewed ties with the Palestinian Authority. The article questions Israel's security strategy, noting the Gazan's focus on economic needs over Hamas disarmament and the potential for future rearmament.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A Gaza resident wants Gadi Eisenkot as Israeli PM for peace and work permits.
- Gazan hopes include IDF withdrawal and return of residents to homes.
- The resident desires renewed work permits for Gazans in Israel.
- He also seeks improved relations with the Palestinian Authority.
- The article questions Israel's security strategy post-conflict.
- Gazan expectations focus on economic recovery and political ties.
A resident of the Gaza Strip expressed a preference for Gadi Eisenkot over Benjamin Netanyahu to lead the Israeli government, stating that Eisenkot would bring peace. The Gazan individual detailed expectations for an Eisenkot-led government, including the withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza, the return of residents to their homes, the creation of job opportunities, and the reinstatement of work permits for Gazans to work in Israel. This reality, he noted, existed before the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, when approximately 18,500 Gazans held permits to work in Israel. The individual also hoped for improved relations with the Palestinian Authority as a means to end animosity.
The article highlights the Gazan's desire for the IDF to leave Gaza, for crossings to be opened, and for workers to return to their jobs in Israel, mirroring the situation before October 7. However, the source points out that the Gazan did not mention the disarmament of Hamas or preventing future attacks. The article contrasts this with Israel's pre-October 7 policy of allowing Gazans to work in Israel, hoping economic improvement would foster quiet, a hope that proved tragically misplaced.
The author questions how to ensure security in the future, emphasizing that good intentions are insufficient without security control. The Gazan's aspirations are framed as practical desires for economic recovery and renewed ties with the PA, rather than ideological alignment with Israel. The core concern remains who will control Gaza and its weaponry post-IDF withdrawal, and whether Hamas could rearm. The article concludes that while Gazans are watching Israeli politics and hoping for change, Israel's priority must be preventing Hamas from using Gaza as a base for attacks, as control of territory and weaponry ultimately dictates reality in the Middle East.