Netanyahu’s Office Reconsiders Role of PA in Gaza’s Postwar Management
In recent weeks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has reconsidered involving individuals associated with the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza’s postwar management, according to three officials familiar with the situation.
Previously, Netanyahu’s office had directed the security establishment to exclude the PA from any plans for Gaza’s governance after the conflict with Hamas. Publicly, Netanyahu continues to oppose PA rule in Gaza, stating on Channel 14 that he would not support a Palestinian state there. Instead, he expressed a preference for a “civil administration” involving local Palestinians, potentially supported by regional countries.
This holiday season, give to:
Truth and understanding
The Media Line's intrepid correspondents are in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Pakistan providing first-person reporting.
They all said they cover it.
We see it.
We report with just one agenda: the truth.
Privately, Netanyahu’s aides have acknowledged that individuals linked to the PA may be the only viable option for managing Gaza’s civilian affairs. An Israeli security official confirmed that “local Palestinians” refers to PA-affiliated individuals. These individuals managed civilian affairs before Hamas took control in 2007.
Distinguishing between PA leadership under President Mahmoud Abbas and lower-level PA employees, Netanyahu’s office sees the latter as better suited for administrative roles in Gaza. However, the likelihood of Abbas authorizing these officials without a clear path to a two-state solution remains low. Similarly, neighboring Arab countries have conditioned their involvement in Gaza’s governance on progress toward a two-state solution.
Despite opposition from far-right coalition partners who push for the PA’s collapse, Netanyahu opposes such an outcome in the short term, recognizing its advantages for Israel. The IDF plans to create “humanitarian bubbles” in Gaza, involving some PA control and support from moderate Arab states. This plan reflects a cautious willingness to work with the PA, despite Netanyahu’s public statements.
