US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin discussed with Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, the need to ensure the safety of and support for the more than one million people sheltering in Rafah in the Gaza Strip before any military operations proceed there.
Austin stressed the importance of more aid reaching Palestinian civilians, as looting and violence hinder access to humanitarian convoys in Gaza.
On his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that they will keep security control over all Palestinian areas and make reconstruction of Gaza dependent on its demilitarization.
Former Mossad chief Ephraim Halevy lambasted Netanyahu’s strategy for the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza, suggesting that “Israel is negotiating with itself.”
Taking to the social platform X, Halevy highlighted a glaring inconsistency in Netanyahu’s document regarding who should be engaged in discussions about Gaza’s future post-Hamas conflict.
He noted that while the document presented by Netanyahu suggests there is no Palestinian representation or involvement, it simultaneously implies that a resolution should be achieved through negotiations between the two parties.
According to the document, Netanyahu’s proposals include a clause on the Palestinian state, wherein Israel firmly rejects any international dictates on a permanent settlement with the Palestinian people.
The Prime Minister stated, “Such an arrangement can only be reached through direct negotiations,” indicating Israel’s intention to maintain control over the security of the entire West Bank area, including the Gaza Strip perimeter.
