A former head of Israeli military intelligence, Maj.-Gen. (res.) Tamir Hayman has put forward a revised strategy for ending the conflict in Gaza and addressing the "day after." His proposal emphasizes an immediate cessation of hostilities in exchange for the simultaneous return of all hostages, followed by continued Israeli military raids and a significantly delayed, reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) takeover, differing from earlier Egyptian-Arab initiatives. Hayman, currently the Executive Director of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), argues this approach is key to achieving Israel's long-term goals while addressing the urgent hostage crisis.
According to a report in The Jerusalem Post, Hayman's position paper acknowledges that while many principles align with the April 2025 Egyptian–Arab proposal, his amendments are crucial. Most notably, he insists on "the disarmament of Hamas and the assurance that it will not be able to rebuild its military capabilities" and firmly states that "steps must be taken to prevent the integration of Hamas into any future Palestinian governing framework," elements he found lacking in the previous plan.
A central, complex assertion in Hayman's analysis is the current dynamic surrounding hostage negotiations. "The survival of a controlling Hamas authority is essential for hostage release. However, once the hostages are freed, Hamas would lose its insurance policy for survival," Hayman stated, underscoring the delicate balance Israel faces. He posits that current IDF operations are designed to pressure Hamas into a deal on more favorable terms for Israel, even as he acknowledges Hamas will likely seek guarantees for its own continued existence as a resistance movement.
Hayman's plan critiques the Egyptian proposal's six-month timeline for the PA's return to Gaza as "unrealistic," advocating instead that "the return of the PA must be conditioned on measurable, comprehensive reforms." In the interim, he suggests an international/Arab cabinet to oversee reconstruction, with a temporary technocratic administration—staffed by influential individuals vetted by Israel as non-affiliated with terrorist groups—managing Gaza. This administration would be supported by approximately 7,000 Palestinian police officers trained in Jordan by the US military, who would secure the distribution of humanitarian aid managed by civil contractors.
Under this framework, Israel would retain the right to conduct periodic raids against terrorists, coordinated with the new Gazan administration, akin to current operations in Judea and Samaria. A subterranean barrier and international monitoring would secure the Philadelphi Route and Rafah Crossing. Only after significant reforms and stabilization would the PA fully return, with weapons transferred to its control and an "amnesty for anyone who accepts the authority of the PA and joins its ranks while surrendering their weapons."
Hayman argues against prolonged Israeli military rule in Gaza, citing prohibitive annual costs (estimated at NIS 25 billion for military expenses and NIS 10 billion for civilian services), the risk of international isolation, and persistent security threats. He also deems the complete eradication of Hamas "highly questionable," a view reportedly shared by current and recent IDF high commands. While his plan acknowledges Hamas "will not vanish completely," he asserts it will be severely weakened, with its organizational structures dismantled and firepower significantly diminished. He hopes this process could lay the groundwork for Israeli-Saudi normalization, even if it doesn't immediately forge a clear path to a Palestinian state.
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