Israeli Army Chief Criticizes Netanyahu for Lack of Post-War Strategy for Gaza

The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army, in sharp criticisms of Benjamin Netanyahu, blamed him for the absence of a diplomatic strategy following the war in Gaza. Herzi Halevi also expressed concern about the lack of a diplomatic process to establish an alternative governing system to Hamas in Gaza and emphasized the need to continue military operations to dismantle the infrastructure of this terrorist group. Senior Israeli military officials have also urged political leaders to consider an appropriate strategy for the current situation and post-war conditions in Gaza. Reports indicate that cabinet members have warned Netanyahu that his behavior and the lack of timely decision-making by Israel in recent weeks have endangered more lives. Netanyahu has also engaged in discussions with the head of the internal security agency (Shin Bet) regarding strategic planning, which has further escalated internal tensions in Israel. While the Israeli army has resumed operations in the Jabalia and Zaitoun areas of Gaza due to Hamas's return to these regions, Netanyahu's government has faced criticism for failing to plan for Gaza's management after the war and rejecting the proposal to involve the Palestinian Authority. U.S. President Joe Biden has emphasized the need for planning to establish governance in Gaza and has proposed the involvement of Arab countries. The Jerusalem Post reported on May 14 that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, intends to turn Gaza into a regional investment hub over ten years after the destruction of Hamas, under a plan titled 'From Crisis to Prosperity.' According to this media outlet, the Gaza revival plan until 2035 was published online by the Prime Minister's Office on Friday, indicating that Gaza will achieve autonomy in a three-phase program post-war, transforming into a new investment hub, a free trade area, and one of the most important industrial ports in the Mediterranean with the help of Arab countries over ten years. In the first phase, within 12 months, safe areas free from Hamas control will be established by Israel in Gaza, and a coalition of Arab countries will distribute humanitarian aid in safe areas starting from the north and gradually expanding southward, with Palestinians in Gaza managing these safe areas under the supervision of Arab countries. In the second phase, lasting 5 to 10 years, an Arab coalition in an entity called the 'Gaza Rehabilitation Administration' will oversee the reconstruction and financial management of the Gaza Strip, with Palestinians in Gaza managing the region and taking responsibility for its administration. In the third phase, termed 'self-governance,' power will gradually be transferred to a local Gaza government or a united Palestinian government to ensure Israel's security while the final step of Gaza's management by Palestinians is fully realized, allowing them to join the Abraham Accords. The Jerusalem Post noted that this plan will be contingent upon the elimination of Hamas, the successful demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, and the agreement of all parties involved. Following the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of over 250 others, Israel launched an offensive against Gaza aimed at destroying this Iran-backed Islamist group and recovering the hostages. The United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. The end of the Eurovision artistic competition in Sweden; Switzerland came first, and the Israeli representative placed fifth. The representative from the Netherlands was expelled from the final stage of Eurovision. The Israeli army has ordered residents of several other neighborhoods in Rafah city to evacuate their homes. Fox News reports: documents from the Iranian Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization regarding the activities of a top-secret drone site in northern Qom. Israeli officials: ceasefire negotiations have not failed; efforts for an agreement continue alongside military operations.