Advanced Israeli-American consultations on an independent Palestinian government in Gaza
Israeli sources have revealed the existence of advanced consultations between Israel and the United States regarding the formation of a professional Palestinian government to administer the Gaza Strip.
At the same time, intensive consultations are underway to organize an international conference aimed at mobilizing financial support for the reconstruction of Gaza. The conference is expected to be held next month in Egypt.
These developments come ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s departure to the United States later this week, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump in Florida on December 29.
Identity of the government members
The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reported that “Israel does not oppose the formation of a government composed of non-political professionals to administer the Gaza Strip after the war.”
It added that “the United States and Israel are currently discussing the identity of the members of the planned technocratic government in Gaza, while Israel rules out the participation of figures linked to the Palestinian Authority in the new administration.”
Israel 24 channel stated that “Israel has been handed a list of Palestinian figures for the purpose of forming a technocratic government to manage the Gaza Strip. Israeli bodies, including the Mossad and the Shin Bet, are currently reviewing the list.”
Quoting Israeli sources, the channel said that, according to the list, “the individuals are neither affiliated with the Palestinian Authority nor with Hamas.”
It added that “mediators hope Israel will complete its review of the list and approve it, at least in part, before the Trump–Netanyahu meeting.”
According to the US president’s plan, “Gaza will be governed by a temporary Palestinian committee composed of non-political technocrats, responsible for the daily administration of public services and municipal affairs in the Gaza Strip.”
The plan further states that “this committee will consist of qualified Palestinians and international experts, under the supervision of a new international transitional authority called the ‘Peace Council’, which will be chaired by US President Donald Trump, alongside other members and heads of state to be announced later.”
Trump previously announced that he would unveil the Peace Council next month, with expectations that the announcement may follow his meeting with Netanyahu.
Donors’ conference for reconstruction
Meanwhile, Israel’s Channel 12 News reported that “the Trump administration is working to convene an international conference to mobilize funds for Gaza’s reconstruction, which could take place as early as next month, with potential venues under consideration including Washington and Cairo.”
Trump’s plan states that “an economic development plan will be drafted and presented by President Trump to rebuild the Gaza Strip and boost its growth, through the formation of a team of experts who have contributed to building some of the most prosperous cities in the Middle East.”
It adds that “several well-intentioned international groups have submitted carefully studied investment proposals and innovative development ideas. These proposals will be reviewed to determine an appropriate framework for security and governance, with the aim of attracting and facilitating investment, creating jobs and restoring hope for Gaza’s future.”
Estimates suggest that the reconstruction process will cost tens of billions of dollars.
Trump has previously stated at press conferences that he would face no difficulty in mobilizing the funds required for reconstruction.
Pressure to halt attacks
At the same time, pressure continues on the US administration to push Israel to halt its attacks in Gaza.
Israel 24 reported that “Qatari, Egyptian and Turkish officials told Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, that Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip are hindering progress on the Gaza plan.” Mediators are calling on Israel to scale back its airstrikes on the territory.
Today, US Representatives Mark Pocan and Madeleine Dean sent a letter to President Donald Trump, co-signed by 47 of their colleagues, expressing deep concern over Israeli actions in Gaza that threaten the ceasefire framework. These include the continued bombing of civilians, the destruction of property and inadequate humanitarian assistance.
In the letter, they wrote: “Given the historic relationship between the United States and Israel, it is essential that the Israeli government be held accountable for its actions. We strongly urge your administration to exert maximum diplomatic pressure on the Israeli government, including through the use of US assistance, to ensure full compliance with the terms of the agreement and to put an end to the ongoing violence and destruction that undermine this fragile agreement and threaten the prospects for lasting peace in the region.”
They warned that “unfortunately, the near-daily violations of the ceasefire risk plunging the region back into a full-scale war. It is imperative that your administration apply the greatest possible diplomatic pressure on the Israeli government, including through US assistance, to bring an end to the near-daily attacks on civilians, including children, the destruction of civilian property and the insufficient humanitarian aid that is urgently needed.”
