Former National Security Chief Warns Israel Must Maintain 'Yellow Line' Against Hamas in Gaza

Giora Eiland, former head of Israel's National Security Council, issued a rare and stern warning against adopting the current 15-point plan for Gaza, emphasizing that Israel must uphold the so-called 'yellow line' as a security boundary. Speaking on August 9, 2026, Eiland criticized the plan as overly favorable to Hamas, arguing that Israel has no interest in rehabilitating Gaza and should instead ensure the territory remains devastated for generations to come.

Eiland recalled Israel's acceptance of a previous 20-point plan aimed at securing the release of hostages, which he supported despite its compromises. However, he condemned the narrative that Gaza is simply home to two million suffering civilians alongside a terrorist organization, stating that on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal war against Israel with a well-armed force. He compared Israel's position to post-World War II Germany, which lost territory after defeat, insisting Israel cannot afford to relinquish control beyond the yellow line.

He also sharply criticized Israel's diplomatic approach toward the United States, describing it as scandalous and overly reliant on personal ties between Prime Minister Netanyahu and former President Trump. Eiland lamented the current Israeli government's dismissal of experienced officials who could effectively engage with the U.S. administration, leaving Israel diplomatically isolated.

Regarding Gaza's future, Eiland stated Israel has no interest in Gaza's reconstruction and prefers it remain in ruins as a deterrent. He warned that allowing heavy weaponry to remain in Gaza, as suggested by the 15-point plan, risks Hamas regaining control and access to these arms. He stressed the necessity of maintaining a security buffer zone, the yellow line, between Israeli communities and Gaza, rejecting any concessions that would weaken this stance.

Eiland concluded that while Israel should avoid outright rejection of proposals, it must clearly prioritize critical security interests and be willing to make tactical compromises elsewhere. However, he insisted that Israel must never concede on the yellow line, which he described as essential for national security.