FDD | Feb 17, 2025

Latest Developments

Hudson Institute, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Netanyahu Rejects Post-War PA Governance in Gaza: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on February 17 that “the day after the war in Gaza, neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority will be there.” Netanyahu’s statements came following unconfirmed Arabic media reports that the Iran-backed Hamas terrorist organization had agreed to a conditional transfer of power in Gaza to the PA following pressure from Egypt.

• Trump’s Plan Embraced: Netanyahu said that he is “committed” to U.S. President Donald Trump’s “plan to create a different Gaza,” — a reference to Trump’s proposal that would allow Palestinians to voluntarily relocate to other nations while Gaza is rebuilt under United States oversight. Egypt has reportedly crafted an alternative plan to present to the United States later this month that aims to rebuild Gaza within three to five years without displacing Palestinian civilians.
• Next Phase of Hostage Deal in Negotiations: Israel will send a delegation to Egypt on February 17 for talks on phase 2 of the current ceasefire and hostage deal. The contingent traveling to Cairo will be led by Brig.-Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch, the Coordinator for Hostages and the Missing, and another official known as “M.,” from Israel’s internal security agency, the Shin Bet.

FDD Expert Response

“Suppose the United States and Israel identify a suitable candidate to replace Hamas in governing the Gaza Strip. In that case, all parties must recognize that Hamas and other terrorist factions will pose significant obstacles to implementing these plans. Achieving success will require Hamas and its allies to willingly relinquish power, which seems unlikely unless they are forcefully removed. Given Hamas’ track record of prioritizing its rule over civilian lives and its willingness to endure substantial losses to maintain control, it is improbable that the group will abandon its position without another round of significant fighting.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“The PA can barely maintain control in the West Bank, where Iran-backed terrorists have dug in, and violence has skyrocketed. West Bank terrorists not only continue to perpetrate lethal attacks against Israelis but also present a credible threat to Mahmoud Abbas’s leadership. The idea that the aged, ailing, and deeply unpopular Abbas could govern Gaza and prevent a Hamas resurgence in the enclave is far-fetched to say the least.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Networks

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Common Strategy’: Secretary of State Rubio Visits Israel, Meets With Netanyahu,” FDD Flash Brief

“Three Israeli Hostages Released After Nearly 500 Days in Hamas Captivity,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘We’ll See How Tough They Are’: Trump Piles Pressure on Hamas to Meet Deadline for Release of Israeli Hostages”, FDD Flash Brief

“Israeli Troops Pull Back from Key Corridor Bisecting Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief