Israel is considering enlisting the Palestinian Authority to help manage civilian life on the “day after” the war in Gaza.
During discussions on Tuesday led by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Israeli security officials deliberated on the potential involvement of key Palestinian Authority figures in the governance and distribution of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.
Among the names under consideration is Majid Faraj, the head of PA intelligence and a close confidant of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Faraj is known for his strong connections with Israeli security officials and international intelligence agencies, including the ISA and CIA.
International pressure continues to mount on Israel on its plans after the Gaza war. According to former Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat,there are no good options because Hamas has controlled the education system and civil mechanisms for so long.
“The young people of Gaza, who make up half of the population, were born into the reality of Hamas, were educated on its ideas, absorbed it in schools, mosques, squares and through its media,” Ben-Shabbat told JNS. “The young terrorists fighting us today are the same children who spent time in Hamas summer camps.”
Ben-Shabbat believes that contrary to some Western perceptions, Hamas did not take power by brute force but rather gained significant political support from the residents in Gaza, who have elected it in the past and are likely to do so again if given the chance.
