Eshkol Regional Council Head Demands Hamas Disarmament Before Gaza Reconstruction
Michal Oziah, head of the Eshkol Regional Council, sent an urgent letter on Monday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Security Cabinet ministers, insisting that disarming Hamas must be a prerequisite for any progress in Gaza's reconstruction. This demand comes a day after the approval of the "Peace Council's" entry into Gaza and amid ongoing cabinet discussions about the territory's future. Oziah emphasized that for residents of the Gaza envelope communities, who suffered the heaviest toll on October 7, this is not merely a political issue but a fundamental security requirement to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.
In her letter, Oziah stated that civilian reconstruction efforts cannot advance while Hamas retains its military and governing capabilities. She highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Hamas, which continues to reorganize, rebuild its infrastructure, and strengthen its power. Oziah warned against allowing civilian rehabilitation to proceed simultaneously with Hamas's renewed military buildup, describing the group as responsible for the deadliest massacre in Israel's history.
A related political source confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces will maintain control over the "Yellow Line" security boundary. Oziah called on the government and the Security Cabinet to uphold the principle that Hamas's disarmament is a non-negotiable condition for Gaza's reconstruction. She framed this stance as a primary security interest of Israel and a necessary measure for the safety and trust of the Gaza envelope residents, underscoring the responsibility toward Israeli citizens and future generations.
Summary: Michal Oziah, head of the Eshkol Regional Council, urged Israeli leadership to make Hamas's disarmament a mandatory condition before advancing Gaza's reconstruction, citing security concerns following the October 7 attacks. She stressed that rebuilding efforts should not proceed while Hamas maintains military and political control, emphasizing the need to protect residents near Gaza and ensure long-term stability.
