Zionist Analyst: We can leverage Trump’s plan as a compelling rationale for prolonging the war.
Zionist Professor Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), discussed President Trump’s plan regarding the Gaza war and its potential for the Israeli regime to gain further legitimacy for the war’s continuation. He outlines the following key points:
President Trump’s 21-point plan to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip is based on several understandings reached between the president and Arab leaders, with considerations for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s viewpoint and Israel’s vital interests.
The principles of the plan emphasize disarming Hamas, releasing all prisoners, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, ensuring that Gaza does not pose a security threat to Israel, and recognizing the necessity for a broader security environment. These principles align with Israel’s security demands and its stated aims for the war.
Additionally, Israel should seek to exclude Qatar from the post-war reconstruction efforts in Gaza. If any Qatari participation is considered, it should be contingent upon a significant change in their hostile behavior toward Israel in the international arena.
Regarding the release of Palestinians as part of Israel’s agreement for the return of Israeli prisoners, the plan should stipulate that all released individuals be transferred to the Gaza Strip, with a firm commitment from Egypt to prevent them from leaving Gaza through its territory.
Furthermore, conditions should be placed on their release, including strict limitations on their activities in Gaza and a commitment not to return to military actions. This commitment must be enforced rigorously by the governing mechanism in Gaza. Israel, exercising its supreme security authority and operational freedom, should investigate any violations that are not effectively managed by that mechanism.
Kobi Michael also emphasizes the importance of limiting the role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza’s reconstruction:
In any reconstruction efforts, it is imperative to ensure that UNRWA is excluded from the process and that there is no rehabilitation or redevelopment of the refugee camps. UNRWA perpetuates the culture of refugeeism, while the camps themselves symbolize the “right of return.”
A fundamental condition for any reconstruction process should be an unequivocal international declaration that does not categorize the departure of Palestinians from Gaza as expulsion or refugeeism, and that rejects any attempt to maintain the “right of return.” This presents a historic and unique opportunity to initiate significant change.