Gidi Grinstein has developed a diplomatic framework for Gaza’s post-war transition, comprising 13 principles that seek to balance Israeli security with Palestinian governance. The proposal includes an international security force, a reassessment of UNRWA’s role, and a commitment to recognizing the PA as a nascent state. This plan aims to create a political horizon for relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel while addressing the legal void left in Gaza.
Gidi Grinstein, founder of the Reut Group, presented a diplomatic framework for Gaza’s post-war transition, outlining a plan consisting of thirteen core principles that address the needs of key stakeholders. This framework includes a proposed four-year transition period dividing Gaza into areas of Palestinian governance and Israeli security. It aims at ensuring Israel’s security and providing governance for Palestinians, backed by an international force overseeing stability and reconstruction.
The plan acknowledges Gaza’s current legal void following the 2005 Israeli withdrawal and Hamas’s termination of the Oslo Accords. Importing the existing West Bank legal framework into Gaza could help establish the Palestinian Authority (PA) as a “nascent state”, a precursor to full statehood. Grinstein draws a parallel between this situation and Israel in 1947, which transitioned to statehood in 1948.
Normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel hinges on this framework. Grinstein suggests that while it may not be perfect, it offers a political horizon for Saudi engagement. The proposal also includes recognition of the PA’s status and a commitment from Israel towards a permanent status process without making formal claims to Gaza.
The deployment of an international security force led by the UAE is central to the plan. This force would be present only with Palestinian approval, as emphasized by Grinstein. The PA must be acknowledged as the governing entity in Area A for this arrangement to work effectively. The force may also include contributions from various international actors, including NATO and other interested countries.
A critical aspect of the proposal is reconstructing Gaza by dismantling the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Grinstein advocates for transitioning from refugee camps to permanent communities managed by a new Gaza Reconstruction Authority led by the reformed PA, focusing on governance rather than refugee perpetuation.
While the primary focus remains on Gaza, the proposal acknowledges the interconnection with the West Bank. Grinstein underscored that this plan aligns with the Trump peace plan, considering Gaza and the West Bank as a unified territorial entity. Trust in the PA’s governance remains a significant concern, yet Grinstein argues that failing to manage the transition risks creating a failed state.
Reflecting on historical contexts, Grinstein posits that if Yitzhak Rabin were present today, he would perceive Saudi normalization as a critical opportunity, prioritizing Israel’s security and regional standing. Grinstein believes that with established military alliances in CENTCOM and emerging regional infrastructures, there is hope for a balanced and effective peace process.
The key to moving forward lies in Grinstein’s thirteen principles, which encapsulate a potential agreement accommodating all parties’ essential interests. Though he acknowledges the imperfections of the proposal, he stresses the necessity for dialogue and understanding among stakeholders. Grinstein’s objective is to broaden the conversation surrounding Gaza’s future and the necessary legal framework for its governance, recognizing that Israel cannot create this framework independently, and must instead pursue the proposed interim agreement.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, marked by recent escalations, has created a pressing need for a diplomatic solution that encompasses security, governance, and reconstruction. Gidi Grinstein’s proposal emerges from extensive discussions, aiming to bridge the gaps between Israel, Palestinian governance, and international involvement. His insights are informed by historical precedents and the complexities of establishing a stable political landscape amid existing tensions among stakeholders in the region.
Gidi Grinstein’s proposed framework for Gaza illustrates a path toward a managed transition that respects the needs for both Palestinian governance and Israeli security. While not a perfect solution, it offers a strategic approach for normalization with Saudi Arabia and lays the groundwork for reconstruction and stability in Gaza and the broader region. The focus on establishing the PA as a nascent state reinforces the need for international collaboration and recognition to create sustainable peace.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
