Israel defense chief: Military does not plan to control ‘life in the Gaza Strip’

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Friday the country does not have long-term plans to control Gaza after an expected ground invasion of the territory.

Gallant addressed long-term Gaza plans for the first time Friday in remarks to Israeli lawmakers, outlining a three-phase conflict. 

The first phase consists of airstrikes and ground maneuvers, where the conflict stands now. He then anticipates defeating pockets of resistance — destroying Hamas and other militant groups — and then finally ceasing Israel’s “responsibility for life in the Gaza Strip.”

The war between Israel and Hamas began nearly two weeks ago after Hamas killed more than 1,400 Israelis in a surprise attack on farms, villages and military outposts that largely targeted civilians. Hamas, recognized as a terrorist group by the U.S., also took hundreds of hostages back to Gaza, including some Americans.

The Israeli military has responded with continuous airstrikes on Gaza that have killed nearly 3,800 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-led government in Gaza. The attacks have led to growing anger, particularly in Arab countries.

President Biden previously warned the Israeli government not to occupy Gaza like it had after prior conflicts, with its most recent military occupation ending in 2005. The Biden administration has strongly supported Israel in the war, and the president gave an address to the nation Thursday night announcing an aid package.

Biden in an interview last week said Israel should allow a pathway to a new civilian government in Gaza after the conflict ends but said it is unlikely that the process would begin quickly.

“But there needs to be a Palestinian Authority. There needs to be a path to a Palestinian state,” Biden said. 

“Not now. Not now. Not now,” he added. “But I think Israel understands that a significant portion of Palestinian people do not share the views of Hamas and Hezbollah.”

Gaza has relied on Israel for a majority of its electricity supply, as well as consumer goods. That electricity supply has been a major focus of humanitarian groups in the current conflict, as Gaza lacks fuel to run its power generators, leaving critical infrastructure including hospitals in the dark.

Gaza also shares a border with Egypt, which has also refused to accept Gazan refugees from the conflict.