Israel is preparing for a prolonged military deployment in Gaza, with no immediate plans for an alternative administration to govern the 2.3 million residents of the war-torn territory, a senior Israeli minister has revealed. Avi Dichter, Israel’s Minister for Food Security and a member of the security cabinet, stated that Israeli forces could remain in Gaza for years, continuing operations against Hamas while overseeing the distribution of humanitarian aid.
“I think we are going to stay in Gaza for a long time,” Dichter said during a press briefing in Jerusalem. “We could see a situation similar to the West Bank, with ongoing operations and permanent military presence in key areas like the Netzarim corridor.”
Expanded Military Infrastructure
Recent reports and accounts from demobilized reservists highlight the extensive new military infrastructure established in Gaza. These include military bases and roads in the northern and central parts of the territory. A former officer detailed the destruction of buildings to clear land for these installations, describing operations in which no structures taller than waist height were left standing, aside from military outposts and observation towers.
Reservists also reported widespread use of explosives to demolish buildings, leading to occasional shortages of munitions.
Ongoing Conflict and Rising Casualties
Israeli airstrikes intensified on Thursday, with at least 21 Palestinians killed in attacks across Gaza. Strikes targeted residential areas and infrastructure in Nuseirat and Beit Lahiya, with health officials reporting severe casualties, including multiple deaths near hospitals and mosques.
The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 44,000, according to local authorities, with widespread displacement affecting nearly the entire population. In Israel, the conflict began 13 months ago with a Hamas-led attack that killed over 1,200 civilians and led to the capture of more than 250 hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to the complete eradication of Hamas.
Governance Uncertainty
Despite significant military advances, Israel has yet to outline a concrete plan for Gaza’s governance post-conflict. Netanyahu has ruled out transferring control to the Palestinian Authority but has not provided alternative proposals. Dichter hinted at the possibility of using private contractors or the Israeli military to secure humanitarian aid distribution, though no final decision has been made.
“Different solutions may work in different parts of Gaza,” Dichter said. “Hamas will not govern, but we are still exploring viable alternatives.”
Strained Hamas Strategy
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has left Hamas isolated. Palestinian analyst Khalil Sayegh suggested the truce could undermine Hamas’ standing in Gaza, as the group’s initial strategy to rally regional militant support appears to have failed.
While US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested that the Lebanon ceasefire could pressure Hamas into negotiations, experts doubt the group will yield without significant concessions, including a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
