Haaretz reveals Israeli plans to profit from Gaza reconstruction and link its infrastructure to the occupation

Israeli press reports have revealed intensive moves led by the Ministry of Finance in the occupation government, aiming to transform the 'reconstruction of the Gaza Strip' file into an opportunity to revive the Israeli economy and achieve strategic gains, by linking the Strip's infrastructure to direct dependence on Israel. According to Haaretz, senior officials in the Israeli Ministry of Finance held consultations with army officers to discuss 'economic opportunities' related to the post-war phase.

These plans include controversial proposals, most notably the expansion of the Ashkelon power station; instead of building an independent power station inside Gaza or in Egypt, Israel seeks to persuade donor countries to finance the expansion of the Ashkelon power station inside Israel, in exchange for supplying the Strip with electricity, which ensures permanent energy dependence for the Strip and the development of Israeli infrastructure with international funds.

The Israeli Ministry of Finance is also considering asking donor countries to finance the construction of highways within the occupied territories, such as Road 232 adjacent to the border, under the pretext of facilitating the movement of aid or future workers, a step that practically means improving the Israeli road network at the expense of donors.

In an indication of the institutionalization of these moves, the report revealed the existence of the 'International Center for Civil-Military Coordination' in the 'Kiryat Gat' settlement south of the occupied territories, which includes representatives from 28 countries, distributed among 6 working groups covering security, engineering, and civil administration, with active Israeli participation in each team.

These Israeli proposals aim to thwart any attempt to build independent infrastructure in Gaza that might fall under the control of resistance factions. While donors are considering options for establishing independent power stations, Israel prefers the option of 'direct supply' to ensure that the keys to life in Gaza remain under its security and political control, while burdening the international community with the cost of technological development within Israel.

Israel seeks to persuade donor countries to finance the expansion of the Ashkelon power station inside Israel, in exchange for supplying the Strip with electricity, which ensures permanent energy dependence for the Strip.