Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “has instructed the army to prepare for the possibility of taking over the responsibility of distributing humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, replacing international aid organizations.”
Netanyahu directed the army “to do whatever is necessary concerning logistics, work mechanisms, and manpower required for the task,” which, until now, has been carried out by international relief organizations.
On Monday, during a press conference, Netanyahu said Israel is “very close” to dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities, but added: “We still need to deprive them of their ability to govern, which means finding an alternative for all or most of the humanitarian aid distribution process. We are working on that now, and we will achieve it because it is part of the next-day plan.”
The report highlighted that the Israeli Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, opposes the idea of the army taking on the responsibility of aid distribution, stating that it is “a task unsuited for the military.”
Halevi also warned that such a role would expose soldiers to unnecessary risk, emphasizing that international organizations were established to handle this role, according to the report.
A source familiar with the details told the Hebrew channel, “Soldiers should not be injured while distributing sacks of flour.”
The report also pointed out that this proposal had been considered in the past but was ultimately abandoned.
The task of distributing aid by the Israeli army could also have legal implications, as it would make Israel “more responsible for the Gaza Strip,” according to the report.
In light of Netanyahu’s recent statements about the continued Israeli presence at the Philadelphi Route, the border area between Gaza and Egypt, the report suggests Israel is moving toward “military rule over Gaza.”
Military estimates indicate that full military governance over Gaza would cost Israel approximately $11 billion annually.
When contacted, the Israeli military spokesperson stated that they “do not comment on closed discussions” and that the army “will carry out any decision made by the political leadership.”
