Israel's opposition proposes Egyptian control of Gaza

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called for the transfer of control over Gaza to Egypt, arguing that it is the most viable alternative in the current situation.  

Speaking at a meeting on May 19, Lapid urged the Israeli government to adopt a long-term strategy that avoids the economic, political, and military issues that would come with an indefinite presence in Gaza. 

"Forcing the IDF to bog down in the quagmire of Gaza for years is a strategic mistake, an economic disaster and a political tragedy that will prevent us from being the historic change in the Middle East that we witnessed during President Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia," Lapid said, Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media.

He suggested the plan of allowing Egypt to govern Gaza for the next few years. 

“Israel should make a joint effort with the US and bring Gaza under Egyptian control for the next 15 years. Egypt knows how to fight Muslim Brotherhood terror, Egypt knows how to coordinate security with Israel, Egypt knows how to run Gaza,” the opposition official said. 

Although not the perfect solution, he said it is better than all the others on the table right now, noting that the Americans also recognise it.

The Yesh Atid party leader criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for lacking a clear post-war vision, despite the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, particularly around the Khan Younis area. While expressing support for the liquidation of Hamas, Lapid questioned what would come next.

Lapid warned that without a credible exit plan, Israel risks a prolonged military entanglement that could last years, draining national resources and causing unnecessary casualties.

“If our fighters, our heroes, must now die and be wounded in Gaza every day for three, four, or five years—let the government stop hiding and say it out loud,” he urged. “If money from our taxes is now going to fund education and health care in Gaza for years to come—let the government stop hiding and say it out loud.”

He proposed that Israel should instead withdraw from Gaza as soon as possible, secure its border with a military perimeter, and maintain a counterterrorism strategy based on the principle of “mowing the lawn.”

Israel has launched a new military campaign, “Gideon’s Chariots,” to increase operational control in Gaza and push for the release of hostages. The Israel Defence Forces said the operation aims to “achieve all the goals of the war in Gaza,” and the government is allowing limited food aid into Gaza to avert a hunger crisis.

Israel's prime minister announced his decision to allow a "minimal" amount of food into Gaza on May 18, after 11 weeks of blockade.

The resumed Israeli bombardment and ground operation have reportedly killed more than 3,000 people and displaced 400,000 others, and the UN says that the blockade has caused severe shortages of food, medicine and fuel.

As Israeli and Hamas negotiators continue indirect talks in Qatar, both sides report no progress toward reaching a ceasefire and hostage release agreement.

By Sabina Mammadli