Several Israeli officials have suggested that Israel will have direct control over Gaza while discussing the future of the territory after the war.
Their comments appear to contradict Washington’s post-conflict plans. President Biden has repeatedly emphasised the need to advance the two-state solution and voiced opposition to a permanent Israeli troop presence in Gaza.
Here’s what the Israeli officials have said:
Finance Minister Smotrich said Israel “will permanently control the Gaza Strip to ensure security”. He also called for establishing Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territory, akin to the illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
National Security Minister Ben-Gvir said the war presents an “opportunity” to encourage residents of Gaza to leave and help bring back Israeli settlements
Israeli Minister of Science and Technology Ofir Akunis said there cannot be a Palestinian state after the war, stressing that the Palestinian Authority also must not return to Gaza. He called for establishing a “security strip” around the territory.
