How much will military rule of Gaza by the occupation cost?

The Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth stated on Friday, May 17, 2024, that the Israeli security establishment has developed a concept for the military governance of Gaza by Israel following the end of the war. A leaked document from the security establishment revealed that the financial cost of this proposal is exceedingly high.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant launched an attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, expressing his rejection of any military rule over the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu responded by saying he is not prepared to replace Hamas rule with Fatah rule.

Details of the Plan

According to the proposed plan, Israel would require 4 assault brigades and a defensive brigade to establish military control over the Gaza Strip after the war, necessitating the transfer of units from the Israeli army’s northern and central regions, along with a significant increase in reserve forces.

Regarding the financial cost of this plan, the newspaper revealed it to be approximately 20 billion shekels annually (about 5 billion dollars), in addition to operational expenses and the cost of rebuilding the infrastructure, hospitals, schools, and roads destroyed by the occupation during its aggression on the Gaza Strip.

However, this plan faced rejection within the Israeli military leadership. Galant stated that the current situation in Gaza has led to a condition where Israel currently controls the territory, but this is a dangerous situation. He said, “There is a developing trend that reinforces military and civilian rule in Gaza. This is a serious matter for us; Israel is not allowed civilian control over the Gaza Strip. Since October, I have raised this issue in the Cabinet without a response.”

Galant warned that such a move “will come at a high price in blood and money,” a sentiment shared not only by him but also by Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu’s stubborn refusal to discuss the “day after” and alternatives to Hamas rule creates a situation where Israel is pushed to manage life in Gaza. Does Israel have the capability to return and manage life in the Strip? Will the country’s economy bear this burden?

Possibility of the Occupation Accepting this Solution

According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the results of this security study indicate that the occupation will not bear this burden, as it will harm the Israeli army’s capability in the northern front and weaken preparations of forces in the West Bank.

The newspaper added, “Control over Gaza means an unprecedented crisis in the budget, greatly harming services provided to the Israeli citizen, and burdening the budget.”

However, this approach is supported by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who openly states that an Israeli military government should be established in Gaza to oversee the distribution of humanitarian aid until a civilian entity is established that rejects terrorism.

He adds, “It’s either us or them… All talk about a moderate civilian party other than Hamas entering the scene tomorrow morning is just illusions. Any party entering with Hamas’s approval will be its agent and will perpetuate its presence.”

Galant’s Vision for a Solution in Gaza

The Israeli Defense Minister, who rejects this solution, has another perspective. According to what was published by Israel Hayom, Galant proposes that the residents of the Gaza Strip be gathered into humanitarian bubbles, and within each of these bubbles, a civilian mechanism will be established for the Gaza residents to manage.

In response to claims that Hamas will not allow any other party to control the Gaza Strip, Galant and the security establishment propose arming these entities with light weapons to maintain law and order and protect them from Hamas.

The Israeli newspaper’s report clarified that the weapons to be delivered to Gaza residents would be under “technological supervision” by Israel, aiming to prevent their ultimate delivery to the Hamas movement, as well as under international supervision and with support from Arab countries described by the newspaper as “moderate,” as well as support from the United States.

The Israeli newspaper also stated that the Galant plan is currently on the table, but there are no significant discussions about an alternative to Hamas on the day following the war.