Israel’s former head of military intelligence is urging Israel’s leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to strike a hostage deal that includes an indefinite ceasefire and work with a reformed Palestinian Authority to restore order in Gaza.
Tamir Hayman, who now heads the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv, emphasized the risks of falling into a perpetual war of attrition with its neighbors if decisive action is not taken. Hayman presented a roadmap for the post-war scenario, highlighting the importance of avoiding a situation where Gaza is left under Hamas rule or vulnerable to power struggles among armed groups.
Hayman stressed the necessity of collaborating with a reformed Palestinian Authority to prevent chaos and instability in Gaza, emphasizing the urgency of making these critical decisions promptly. He cautioned that Israel may not have another opportunity to address these issues, especially with the upcoming presidential elections in the United States.
While Hayman advocates for a strategic approach focused on long-term stability rather than immediate gains, Netanyahu has previously dismissed the idea of a Palestinian Authority-ruled Gaza. Talks for a ceasefire-hostage deal have faced obstacles, with Hamas indicating difficulties in identifying and locating the required Israeli hostages for the initial phase of the agreement.
The Palestinian Authority currently governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank but was ousted from Gaza by Hamas in 2007, leading to a divided governance structure in the region.
