The National Security Advisor of the Israeli Government, Tzachi Hanegbi, has suggested this Thursday that a “reformed” Palestinian Authority could govern the Gaza Strip in the future and once the Israeli Army's offensive against the Palestinian enclave ends, which has left so far more than 20,000 dead.
In words that have generated criticism within the Government, the Prime Minister's main advisor, Benjamin Netanyahu, has indicated in a column published in the online newspaper Elaph that there is the possibility of establishing a “moderate Palestinian governmental body.” ” in the Palestinian enclave.
Thus, it has joined the words of the US authorities, who advocate the establishment of a “Palestinian State” in the area for the future as part of the solution to the conflict.. “Israel is aware of the desire of the international community and the countries of the region” and has pointed out that, to achieve this, the Palestinian Authority needs a “fundamental reform.”
“A generation must emerge with values of moderation and tolerance, without any incitement to violence against Israel,” he stated before admitting that “in its current form, it would be very difficult for the Palestinian Authority to achieve this,” so “it will require a great effort that has international support.”
His comments show a softer stance on the future of the Gaza Strip than that generally shown by Netanyahu himself or other members of the Cabinet, who advocate taking a tough line and “ending barbarism.”
Netanyahu, for his part, has denied any type of control over the enclave by a Palestinian Authority that “refuses to condemn the attacks of October 7”, which left 1,200 dead and 240 kidnapped on Israeli soil.. However, this position is contrary to the vision of the US Government, its main ally.
Criticism against Hanegbi
Israel's Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, attacked the advisor this Thursday and stated that “there are people who still live in October 6”, before emphasizing that his position “does not represent that of the Israeli Government.”
Thus, he stated that Netanyahu should “call him for consultations to restore order”. “The Palestinian Authority is not the solution but a significant part of the problem,” he said in a message spread through social networks.
It is not the first time that Smotrich has rejected the idea of a Gaza Strip governed by the Palestinian Authority and earlier this week he warned Netanyahu not to “test” ministers.