The United States is pressing Israel to lay out a clear plan for Gaza should Hamas be displaced from power in the Gaza Strip. This topic has attracted international attention, with multiple outlets indicating ongoing discussions between Washington and Jerusalem about what comes next in Gaza once Hamas loses authority there.
In recent days, U.S. officials have held private briefings with Israeli leaders, urging specificity on how governance, security, and humanitarian coordination would be handled the moment the objective of removing Hamas is achieved. The aim is to ensure there is a practical, credible framework for managing the territory in the immediate aftermath of any potential regime change in Gaza.
According to an unnamed American official cited by a major newspaper, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his senior advisers have indicated to American counterparts that a concrete, implementable post-Hamas plan for Gaza remains undeveloped. The report highlights a broader worry that progress could stall on the ground if the stated aim against Hamas succeeds but there is no prepared governance structure to take over afterward.
The same source warns that the absence of a post-Hamas strategy could raise the risk of prolonged Israeli military involvement in Gaza. That concern stands in tension with public messages from Israeli leaders who insist that reoccupying Gaza is not on their agenda, even as security and humanitarian concerns persist throughout the region.
Within Israel, discussions appear to be shifting toward domestic planning. The head of a major political party, along with a trusted ally, reportedly pushed for the creation of a Gaza exit plan after joining the governing coalition. They reportedly instructed a committee to develop a framework outlining governance arrangements, security responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms with international partners to enable a stable transition in Gaza if Hamas were removed from power.
Meanwhile, Hamas has publicly stated a willingness to release foreign hostages when conditions permit. This position has intermittently influenced international diplomacy and the calculations of negotiators watching for any potential escalation or breakthrough in efforts to secure the safe return of captives.
Historically, Israeli leaders have reaffirmed their objective of diminishing Hamas’s influence. The public stance has consistently emphasized counterterrorism aims, protection of civilians, and measures to prevent the rearmament of militant groups in the region. The evolving debate inside Israel about how to structure a future governance framework in Gaza remains a central element in any broader strategy for regional security and stability.