Former Israeli military intelligence officer Michael Milstein ruled out that Israel would succeed in finding a local alternative to replace Hamas as the ruling authority in the Gaza Strip, pointing to previous failed attempts.
The Associated Press quoted Milstein, an analyst specializing in Palestinian affairs at Tel Aviv University, as saying that there are no local actors bold enough to present themselves as an alternative to Hamas to run the Strip.
Commenting on statements in this regard by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant, he added that the wishes expressed by the latter would be tantamount to a “suicide mission” for any local leader in Gaza.
He continued that although Hamas suffered severe damage during the past eight months, its influence on the people of the Gaza Strip remains strong.
Gallant: We will not accept Hamas control #Gaza At the end of the war, we are working to find an alternative to the movement#Gaza_War pic.twitter.com/YReHTYHYFS
– Tel Aviv Tribune Channel (@AJArabic) June 2, 2024
Failed attempts
The former Israeli intelligence officer pointed out the failure of attempts made by Israel in the 1970s and 1980s to impose a governance model like the one it seeks now by empowering tribal entities or local leaders, and these attempts ended tragically, as he put it.
Milstein said that those who accept cooperation will be considered agents by the Palestinians, adding that unless Israel maintains a permanent presence in Gaza, these “alternative forces” that it is trying to form to replace Hamas will be extremely fragile.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said yesterday, Sunday, that the Israeli government will not accept Hamas rule at the end of the war, and that it is working to find an alternative to the movement.
Galant added that in parallel with the military action, it is important for the security establishment to prepare a governmental alternative to Hamas, saying that work is being done on the ground and in other ways to dismantle Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities, and that this achieves Israel’s goals and returns the detainees in Gaza.
Last March, sources told Tel Aviv Tribune that the notables of the Gaza families rejected an offer from Israel to cooperate with it, and at that time Abu Salman Al-Mughni – one of the notables – stated that the tribes could not accept being an alternative to the government and to whomever the people chose.
