Israeli Analysis: Political and Security 'Mines' Surround Trump's Initiative for Gaza's Future

The American capital, Washington, witnessed the first official meeting of the 'Peace Council' chaired by President Donald Trump, an event closely followed by Israeli circles. Despite the celebratory atmosphere that prevailed at the meeting, Hebrew reports warned of a 'series of mines' lurking behind the official statements, indicating that the Gaza file will not be closed as quickly as some wish.

Israeli writer Idan Marash, in an analysis published by 'Maariv' newspaper, considered this council, which included leaders from 46 countries, a reflection of Israeli hesitation regarding 'the day after' the war. He pointed out that Trump's speech, in which he announced the end of the war, seemed like an early declaration of victory, ignoring the fundamental and complex challenges that still exist on the ground in the Gaza Strip.

The issue of forming a Palestinian police force stands out as the first security concern for the occupation, especially after the Council's Director-General, Nikolay Mladenov, announced the start of recruiting two thousand security personnel. This force is scheduled to operate under the supervision of a committee of technocrats to manage daily affairs, which raises Israeli questions about the backgrounds of these elements and their affiliation with resistance factions.

Analysts in Tel Aviv believe that this step could grant renewed legitimacy to hostile elements under civilian and humanitarian cover, in light of Washington's vision, which focuses on relief. The occupation emphasizes that the ideology fueling the resistance cannot be erased by political declarations but requires radical security and awareness treatment that does not seem available in the Council's current proposal.

The second 'minefield' lies in the identity of the countries participating in the Council, specifically Qatar and Turkey, which raise strategic concern for the Israeli security establishment. Despite Qatar's role in the hostage file, there is fear of its continued political influence, while Turkey, led by Erdogan, is seen as a regional power seeking to fill the vacuum and strengthen its influence in the Palestinian file.

Regarding the political path, concerns arise about the return of the Palestinian Authority to the Gaza Strip through the 'back door' via the technocrat committee and the liaison office with Ramallah. Despite Netanyahu's repeated assurances of rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state, Israeli silence regarding these new administrative arrangements raises suspicion among right-wing circles who fear the 'Palestinianization' of the Strip again.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar represented his country at this meeting, in a diplomatic move described as necessary to maintain the alliance with the Trump administration. However, observers believe that Israeli enthusiasm for the forum must be cautious, to ensure that no concessions are made that affect what is called 'national responsibility' and the national security of the occupation in the long run.

Writer Marash believes that the Peace Council will not be an immediate substitute for international organizations such as the United Nations, nor will it end historical conflicts in the region with a magic touch. But he stressed that the absence of a clear Israeli vision for imposing a temporary military government or defining definitive security objectives is what opened the door for these international initiatives to shape a new reality in Gaza.

Israeli reading of the scene indicates a gap between American ambitions to create a 'pleasant' atmosphere for peace and the field complexities in the Strip. Israeli security, according to this viewpoint, cannot be reduced to meetings held in Washington or diplomatic statements but requires actual control to prevent the rebuilding of military capabilities of the factions.

In conclusion, the 'Peace Council' remains a real test of the ability of international parties to impose a settlement in Gaza away from hardline Israeli desires. While Trump seeks to achieve a quick political accomplishment, the occupation cautiously monitors what it considers 'mines' that may explode in its face if Washington abandons strict security standards in favor of technocratic political solutions.

It is the indecisive Israeli policy towards Gaza that attracts external initiatives that may not align with the security interests of the occupation.