From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Netanyahu said to reject security chiefs’ requests to discuss post-war governance in Gaza
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected several recent requests from security chiefs to hold deliberations on post-war arrangements for the Gaza Strip, according to Channel 12 news.
Quoting political and security sources who say Netanyahu does not want to reveal the expected role that Palestinian Authority officials will have in managing Gaza’s civil affairs after Hamas is defeated, the network reports the premier rebuffed the requests on three separate occasions — including during the past day.
Among those said to have made the request are the chiefs of the Mossad, Shin Bet and Israel Defense Forces.
Unnamed security officials quoted in the report say the discussions are important for planning the next stages of the war and urge the government to swiftly address the matter, adding that their US counterparts are also demanding answers.
In response, Netanyahu’s office says he instructed his top confidantes to prepare for preliminary deliberations on the matter.
“A date for the deliberation has been set and it will take place in the coming days,” the Prime Minister’s Office says.
The Times of Israel Community.