Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned that plans to take control of Gaza City would result in an Israeli military government managing the enclave, according to the Israeli news site Ynet on Monday.
اضافة اعلان
According to the report, Zamir told the Israeli Security Cabinet on Sunday evening: “You are heading toward forming a military government.”
He added, according to Ynet: “Your plan is leading us there… understand the consequences.” Zamir emphasized that Israel’s political leadership no longer has a clear post-war alternative.
Israel imposed a military government on the Gaza Strip following the Six-Day War in 1967, when the territory had previously been under Egyptian administration.
Under agreements with the Palestinians, Israel returned civil administration of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority more than 30 years ago, while maintaining control over the borders.
The Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 ended the military presence, although Israeli forces continued to control the border. Hamas seized power in the territory in 2007.
A return to an Israeli military government would represent a significant setback and would undermine hopes for a two-state solution.
According to Ynet, Zamir called for a deal with Hamas to release more hostages.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed bringing the issue to a vote, stating it was not on the meeting’s agenda.
Hamas announced in mid-August that it had accepted a new proposal from mediators for a ceasefire, though Israel has not responded to the initiative.
Currently, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with the Israeli government believing that 20 are still alive. Zamir has previously warned that taking control of Gaza City would endanger their lives.
--(DPA)
