The United States and Israel are exploring the option of Washington overseeing a temporary administration in Gaza following the conflict, as reported by five sources familiar with the discussions. These high-level talks have focused on establishing a transitional government led by a U.S. official to manage Gaza until it is demilitarized and a stable Palestinian governance structure is in place.
The discussions, which are still in the early stages, do not include a set timeline for the duration of this U.S.-led administration, as it will be contingent on the evolving situation in the region. The sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks, likened this proposal to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, which was formed by Washington in 2003 after the invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.
This authority was often viewed by many Iraqis as an occupying entity and handed over power to an interim Iraqi government in 2004 amid a rising insurgency. Other nations may be invited to participate in the U.S.-led administration in Gaza, although specific countries were not disclosed.
The administration is expected to include Palestinian technocrats but will exclude Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, which has limited control in the West Bank. Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007, ignited the current conflict when its militants attacked southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily among civilians, and the capture of 251 individuals.
The sources indicated that it remains uncertain whether a consensus can be achieved, as discussions have not advanced to the point of identifying potential candidates for key positions, and they did not clarify which party proposed the initiative or provide additional details about the negotiations.
The spokesperson for the State Department refrained from directly addressing whether discussions had taken place with Israel regarding a U.S.-led provisional authority in Gaza, stating they could not comment on ongoing negotiations. ‘Our goal is peace and the prompt release of hostages,’ the spokesperson remarked, emphasizing that ‘our foundational approach remains steadfast: support Israel and advocate for peace.’ The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chose not to provide a comment.
In an April interview with Sky News Arabia, which is owned by Emirati interests, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed his belief in a ‘transitional period’ following the conflict, during which an international board of trustees, including ‘moderate Arab nations,’ would oversee Gaza, with Palestinians operating under their direction. ‘We do not intend to control the civil life of Gaza’s residents. Our primary concern in the Gaza Strip is security,’ he stated, without specifying which countries he envisioned being involved.
The foreign ministry did not reply to a request for additional comments. Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the media office for the Hamas-led Gaza government, dismissed the notion of a U.S.-led or foreign government administration, asserting that the Palestinian people of Gaza should determine their own leadership. The Palestinian Authority did not respond to a request for comment.
Potential negative response
A provisional authority in Gaza led by the U.S. would deepen Washington’s involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, representing its most significant intervention in the Middle East since the Iraq war. This action could provoke considerable backlash from both allies and adversaries in the region if the U.S. is viewed as an occupying force in Gaza, according to two sources.
The United Arab Emirates, which established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020, has suggested that an international coalition manage Gaza’s governance after the conflict. However, Abu Dhabi’s participation is contingent upon the inclusion of the Western-supported Palestinian Authority and a viable route to Palestinian statehood.
The UAE foreign ministry has not commented on whether it would endorse a U.S.-led administration that excludes the PA. Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, categorically oppose any involvement of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, labeling it as anti-Israeli.
Netanyahu also stands against Palestinian sovereignty. On Monday, he stated that Israel would intensify its military actions in Gaza, asserting that more Gazans would be relocated ‘for their own safety.’ Israel continues to pursue the recovery of 59 hostages held in the area, while its military operations have reportedly resulted in over 52,000 Palestinian deaths, according to data from the Gaza health ministry.
Certain members of Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition have publicly advocated for what they term the ‘voluntary’ mass relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, alongside plans for the rebuilding of Jewish settlements within the coastal area. However, in private discussions, some Israeli officials are reportedly considering future scenarios for Gaza that do not anticipate a significant exodus of Palestinians, including a U.S.-led provisional administration.
These considerations involve limiting reconstruction efforts to specific security zones, partitioning the territory, and setting up permanent military installations, according to sources, including foreign diplomats and former Israeli officials familiar with the discussions.
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