U.S. and Israel Discuss Temporary U.S.-Led Administration in Gaza After War
Washington and Tel Aviv have held high-level talks on forming a transitional authority—similar to the post-2003 Iraq model—to govern Gaza after the war, excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Watan-According to five informed officials cited by Reuters, the United States and Israel have discussed the possibility of Washington leading a temporary administration in Gaza after the war.
The sources said the high-level consultations focused on forming a transitional government led by an American official to oversee Gaza until the territory is demilitarized, stabilized, and a viable Palestinian governing body emerges.
All sources requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks. They emphasized that the discussions are still preliminary, and there is no set timeline for how long such an administration would remain in place—it would depend entirely on developments on the ground.
The concept has been compared to the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq in 2003, headed by Paul Bremer, which was established after the U.S. invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. That authority, widely viewed by Iraqis as a foreign occupation, ultimately failed to contain a growing insurgency and transferred power to an interim Iraqi government in 2004.
Involvement of Other States
The sources added that other countries would be invited to participate in the U.S.-led authority in Gaza, although they did not specify which. The plan includes relying on Palestinian technocrats, but excludes Hamas and the Palestinian Authority from any role.
They also noted that no final agreement has been reached and that no decisions have been made regarding who would fill key roles in the proposed administration.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson declined to directly comment on the leaks, saying, “We want peace and the immediate release of hostages. Our pillars remain firm: standing with Israel and defending peace.”
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office also declined to comment.
Earlier, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said he envisions a “transitional period” after the war during which an international body involving “moderate Arab states” could oversee Gaza, with Palestinians operating under its supervision.
“We don’t seek to control Gaza’s civil life. Our only interest is security,” he said, without naming specific countries.
Palestinian Rejection
In response, Gaza’s Government Media Office director Ismail Al-Thawabta rejected the idea of a U.S.-led or foreign administration, stating that only the Palestinian people should choose their leaders.
The Palestinian Authority declined to comment on the leaks.
U.S. Involvement and Risks
Reuters noted that forming a U.S.-led temporary authority in Gaza would deeply entangle Washington in the Israeli-Palestinian war.
Two sources warned that the plan carries serious political risks, potentially triggering backlash from both allies and adversaries across the Middle East if the U.S. is perceived as an occupying force.
According to Reuters, the UAE has proposed a multinational coalition to oversee Gaza’s post-war governance, but tied its participation to the inclusion of the internationally backed Palestinian Authority and a credible path to Palestinian statehood.
However, Israel’s leadership—especially Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—firmly opposes any PA role in Gaza.
Behind closed doors, some Israeli officials are reviewing various proposals for Gaza’s future, including the U.S.-led temporary administration, limiting reconstruction to designated security zones, partitioning the territory, and establishing permanent military bases.
