Israeli Settlement Affairs Minister Orit Strock has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to take control of Gaza, dismissing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recently signed ‘Peace Board’ as a “bad plan.” Speaking to an Israeli radio station on Sunday, Strock said the plan should not endanger Israeli soldiers. Her remarks came just days after Trump signed the peace initiative during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Strock opposed transferring Gaza’s administration to the Palestinian Authority, warning that such a move would come at a high cost. She stated that after disarmament and the defeat of Hamas, only Israel should have authority over Gaza. The second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement reportedly includes disarming Hamas and other Palestinian groups, withdrawing additional Israeli forces from the enclave, and beginning reconstruction efforts.
The minister’s comments highlight divisions over post-war governance in Gaza and reflect ongoing debate within Israel about the future of the territory following the ceasefire process.