Defense Minister Gallant Calls Civil Affairs In Gaza After War Handed Over To Palestine, But Israel's Control Security

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited Gaza. (Source: Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Yoav Gallant outlined his vision of who will rule Gaza after the war, insisting local Palestinians will be responsible for civilian affairs, while Israel will maintain overall security control over the enclave.

Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also has the same stance, the emphasis on Palestinian civil control over Gaza and the lack of presence of Israeli civilians there has angered hardline coalition partners.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich opposed the plan when he became a member of the war cabinet, suggesting that defense ministers speak only for himself.

"There will be no Israeli civilian presence in the Gaza Strip after the war's goal is achieved," Gallant told reporters in a briefing.

"Gaza residents are Palestinians, therefore Palestinian bodies will take responsibility on condition that there is no hostility towards Israel," he stressed.

As for who will manage Gaza's security after the war, the defense minister said Israel would not allow Hamas to control Gaza, or pose a security threat to its citizens. Therefore, they will maintain their operational freedom of action in Gaza.

Defense Minister Gallant said Israel would make a transition to what he called Phase III fighting, namely fighting in northern Gaza with lower intensity and included attacks, destruction of Hamas tunnels, air and land activity, and special operations.

As for southern Gaza, operational efforts will focus on eliminating Hamas leadership and allowing the hostages to return, Gallant said.

According to Gallant, the purpose of Phase III combat is to erode the rest of the terror points in Gaza.

The Defense Minister did not give a time limit on when Israel would make the transition to Phase III, and said it depended on achieving certain military goals that could not be disclosed to the press.

He added that the IDF fighting in Gaza would continue until the hostages were returned, the military capabilities and the Hamas government were stripped and all military threats from Gaza removed.