Israel Outsources National Security Policy to Trump Administration Amid Gaza Strategy Shift

Former IDF Intelligence Chief Tamir Hayman analyzes how Israel has effectively outsourced its national security policy to the United States under President Donald Trump. The Trump administration is actively implementing its Middle East vision, particularly in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon, shaping Israel’s security approach more than Jerusalem itself. This marks a dramatic shift where Washington, not Israel, drives key security decisions.

Central to this strategy is the 20-Point Plan, originally an Israeli government framework for Gaza’s post-conflict governance, which Trump enforced externally. The plan calls for replacing Hamas with a technocratic government in Gaza, backed by an international peace council and a multinational security force to oversee disarmament and law enforcement. Israel agreed to a phased withdrawal from Gaza’s "green zone" contingent on verified disarmament and reconstruction of areas cleared of Hamas control. Crucially, the plan includes a political process leading to a Palestinian state, a contentious point accepted by Israel under the assumption Hamas would fail to comply.

However, Hamas has not honored its commitments, refusing to disarm or transfer control of heavy weapons, and has instead consolidated power internally. Israel remains largely excluded from the related 15-Point Agreement, which involves Hamas and the international peace council and emphasizes protecting Hamas operatives, creating a politically sensitive and asymmetrical framework. The involvement of Qatar and Turkey in monitoring disarmament raises Israeli concerns about Hamas’s continued influence.

The American solution divides Gaza into three zones: the Hamas-controlled red zone, the Israeli-controlled green zone, and an orange buffer zone where international forces would facilitate reconstruction and governance by the technocratic authority. This phased approach aims to gradually reduce Hamas’s power and establish a stable governance structure aligned with broader normalization efforts in the region.

Hayman warns that Israel’s national security is now dependent on Washington’s policies, requiring close cooperation and careful management to ensure Israeli interests are protected. He urges the Israeli government to better explain this complex policy to the public, accelerate implementation, and balance diplomatic relations with the U.S. to avoid damaging ties. The Gaza case will serve as a test for future U.S.-led initiatives in Lebanon and Syria, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of this outsourced security strategy.