Israel’s Gantz Proposes Long-Term Strategy for Gaza, Emphasizes US-Israel Alliance

Member of Knesset Benny Gantz, a key figure in Israel’s War Cabinet, the head of the National Unity party, and a former defense minister and IDF chief of staff,  on Sunday articulated a detailed strategy for Israel’s engagement with Gaza, focusing on achieving long-term peace and stability. In a pivotal address to the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, Gantz emphasized the critical nature of the US-Israel alliance, particularly highlighting US President Joe Biden’s support following the October 7 surprise attack by Hamas on Israel. Gantz underscored the complexity of the current conflict due to Hamas’ extensive terror tunnel network and outlined a phased approach to resolving the situation.

Gantz’s strategy involves an immediate military victory over Hamas, recognized as a terrorist organization by Israel, the US, and the EU, followed by the establishment of a civilian administration in Gaza led by Palestinians not affiliated with the terrorist organization. This administration would be supported by an international coalition aimed at the region’s development over the next decade. Gantz envisions a generational effort to secure lasting peace, which includes building a regional framework to counter the Iranian axis of terror.

The former defense minister and IDF chief of staff also stressed the importance of Israel’s relationship with Saudi Arabia and the need for social unity within Israel, particularly in light of recent political divisions.

Gantz highlighted four primary goals: achieving a military victory, ensuring the return of Israeli hostages, diplomatically ousting Hamas in favor of a new regime in Gaza, and fostering internal unity among Israelis. He also pointed out the urgent need to reform Gaza’s education system to eliminate content that incites terror and hatred toward Israel.

Over the next decade, Israel would aim to support the development of Gaza, focusing on infrastructure improvements such as irrigation and industry. Gantz stressed that achieving lasting peace could span a generation, requiring efforts to build a regional framework to counter the Iranian axis of terror and advance international agreements that enhance regional quality of life. He cautioned against unilateral actions, specifically opposing the recognition of a Palestinian state as a path to peace following the events of October 7.

Gantz also warned of the broader implications of the conflict, portraying it as a confrontation between Iran and its proxies, Hamas and Hizbullah, against the moderate states of the region. He suggested that Israel, potentially with US support, may need to prepare for a direct confrontation with Iran to ensure regional stability.