JERUSALEM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked concerns about a possible reoccupation of the Gaza Strip and a return to military rule, a significant shift since the 2005 withdrawal from the Palestinian enclave.

These concerns were intensified by Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border, and his order to the army to prepare to distribute humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

Since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, humanitarian aid distribution has been handled by the UN and international organizations amid famine in the territory caused by the onslaught and Israel’s years-long blockade.

In the early months of the war, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken repeatedly asserted that Israel would not reoccupy Gaza, rebuild settlements there, or reimpose the blockade.

This assertion, however, runs counter to Netanyahu’s refusal to propose a post-war plan for Gaza, his insistence on maintaining Israeli military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, and his order to the army to prepare to distribute humanitarian aid, which effectively means remaining in Gaza.

Military rule

According to Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu instructed the military to prepare to distribute humanitarian aid in Gaza, instead of international organizations on the ground.

The army “has raised its concerns about the idea, which is intended to curb international pressure against Israel,” the newspaper said.

The daily said Netanyahu’s office examined a series of options in recent months to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

One of the possible solutions was “to appoint a general to take charge of the humanitarian issue in Gaza for the distribution of humanitarian aid. Either way, this is a very complex decision and not necessarily applicable,” it added.

Appointing a general to oversee the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza “means that Israel's responsibility in the Gaza Strip will continue and perhaps expand over the next few years,” the newspaper commented.

According to the Israeli daily, Brigadier General Elad Goren will handle daily tactical issues, such as delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, repairing local infrastructure destroyed in the war, and maintaining contact with international organizations.

Israeli Channel 12 reported on Tuesday evening that Netanyahu's insistence on maintaining an Israeli military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor “could lead to Israel’s real plan for Gaza, which is a return to military rule.”

The channel explained that "in recent discussions, Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi opposed distributing aid by soldiers, claiming it unnecessarily endangers our forces, and therefore the army should not participate in aid distribution, as international organizations are responsible for that."

It also mentioned additional challenges, including that "military control of the Philadelphi Corridor raises an international law issue, as control of the road is actually Gaza’s responsibility, which is significant."

Cease-fire talks

The Israeli army estimates that military rule in Gaza would cost around 40 billion shekels ($10.7 billion) annually.

"We will adhere to every decision made by the political leadership,” the Israeli army said.

Netanyahu has previously stated on several occasions that he opposes the return of the Palestinian Authority to rule Gaza or the continued presence of Hamas.

He has also argued that maintaining control of the Philadelphi Corridor is vital for Israel’s security.

Netanyahu’s hardline position on the corridor is seen by opposition leaders and families of Israeli hostages in Gaza as hindering efforts to reach a Gaza cease-fire and prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas.

For months, the US, Qatar, and Egypt have been trying to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas to ensure a prisoner exchange and a cease-fire and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. But mediation efforts have been stalled due to Netanyahu’s refusal to meet Hamas’ demands to stop the war.

Israel’s ongoing war on the Gaza Strip has killed nearly 40,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured over 94,300 others, according to local health authorities.

An ongoing blockade of the enclave has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine, leaving much of the region in ruins.

Israel faces accusations of genocide for its actions in Gaza at the International Court of Justice.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala