Israeli security officials estimate that Hamas will continue to operate as the de facto government in the Gaza Strip, despite its claims to have accepted the U.S.-backed plan to establish a new administration for the enclave.
White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced the transition to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement on Wednesday. The second phase includes the establishment of a technocratic administrative committee that is set to govern the Gaza Strip under the auspices of the future “high representative” for the Gaza Strip, Nickolay Mladenov, and the Board of Peace.
However, Israel Hayom reported that the deputy head of the IDF Intelligence Branch's research division briefed the security cabinet ministers about the Committee, noting that “the officials who will actually run the Gaza Strip will be people who support Hamas or cooperate with it. So in effect, Hamas will run Gaza behind the scenes.”
Reaction by the ministers to the testimony of the military intelligence official was reported to be strong. Minister Ze’ev Elkin said the shift to phase two “means that we are returning to Hamas rule in Gaza.”
Orit Strock, Minister of Settlements and National Missions, said that Israel should insist that the new committee only have authority in the so-called “Red Zone,” the area under Hamas jurisdiction.
The security agencies, including the IDF, have warned that Hamas is already restoring and preserving its significant weapons systems, including lathes for producing rockets, explosive devices, RPGs, and more.
However, during his recent meeting with President Trump, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would give the second phase a chance, while insisting on the disarmament of Hamas.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials said in a press briefing on Wednesday that discussions with Hamas regarding an amnesty program and its disarmament would begin soon.
The White House is hoping to bridge the gaps between Israel and Hamas, an official said, according to a Reutersreport, noting that the Israeli government remains “skeptical that Hamas will disarm and that the Palestinian people want peace.”
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