IDF officials want local ‘Palestinian clans’ to govern Gaza after war

The plan, which is being proposed by the IDF and the Shin Bet security service, is aimed at stabilizing the region until a more enduring solution is established.

By Meir Dolev, World Israel News

Israeli defense officials are contemplating allowing manage the temporary governance of the Gaza Strip by local Palestinian clans in the aftermath of their military campaign against Hamas.

The plan, which is being proposed by the IDF and the Shin Bet security service, is aimed at stabilizing the region until a more enduring solution is established and mirrors a similar tactic used by the US in Iraq and Afghanistan after the topple of those regimes.

It would see Gaza divided into several zones that would each be overseen by a specific Palestinian clan, responsible for administering humanitarian aid and managing local resources including water and food.

This system is designed to ensure that assistance reaches the affected areas efficiently, with only those clans recognized and vetted by Israeli security authorities being eligible to participate.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has has made it clear that the Palestinian Authority is not a viable option to govern Gaza under its current leadership, despite the U.S. advocating for such.

The Biden administration has also expressed vehement opposition to the notion of an “Israeli occupation” of Gaza post-war.

The idea of local clan governance in Gaza has drawn criticism and is not likely to gain acceptance among Palestinians.

It will also be very challenging for Israel’s defense establishment to ensure clan members have no connections to Hamas.