Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Pilot Phase of 'Peace Council' Initiative in Gaza

The Israeli Security Cabinet approved on Sunday the launch of a pilot phase for the 'Peace Council' program in the Gaza Strip, aiming to restore basic services, humanitarian aid, and civilian infrastructure in areas outside Hamas control. The initiative will begin in the Rafah area, establishing temporary housing for Palestinian residents and resuming essential services and aid. All residents wishing to live in these areas will undergo strict security screening to ensure they are not affiliated with Hamas or other terrorist groups.

The cabinet also approved the deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza to support the program's implementation. The plan is part of a broader effort by Israel, the United States, and international partners to create an alternative civilian governance mechanism in Gaza, enabling life management in zones not controlled by Hamas while maintaining oversight to prevent terrorist takeover of aid and infrastructure.

Minister Bezalel Smotrich supported the initiative, while Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir opposed it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the plan last week with Nikolay Mladenov, the senior representative of the Peace Council, and Aryeh Lightstone, an advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump. The discussions also touched on the wider regional context, with Trump recently ordering a halt to daily strikes against Iranian targets, including in Bandar Abbas, to allow diplomatic efforts to proceed. This pause also delays broader military operations as diplomatic solutions are pursued.