Former DM Gallant publicly criticizes plan for private companies to distribute Gaza aid – 'will lead to military rule’

With reports of a ceasefire deal in Lebanon possibly just days away, Israel’s plans for the future of Gaza are once again in focus. 

As reported earlier this month, the IDF appears to be preparing for a long-term presence in the Gaza Strip, especially northern Gaza. 

Now, amid reports that the military has expanded its presence in the Netzarim Corridor even further north and south, ensuring complete control over any passage between the two halves of Gaza, the government has renewed the debate over Israel's long-term objectives in Gaza.

On Wednesday, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant renewed his criticism of a lack of formal planning for the post-war situation in Gaza, in particular, regarding who will exercise civil control over the enclave. Gallant has previously emphasized the importance of establishing a clear strategy for Gaza's future to ensure stability and security in the region.

“The discussion about ‘distributing food to residents of Gaza by private companies with IDF security’ is a euphemism for the start of a military government,” Gallant wrote on 𝕏 in Hebrew). “The price in blood will be paid by IDF soldiers and by the state of Israel for its own poor order of priorities that will lead to neglecting more important security tasks.”

The former defense minister said the outcome “depends on advance preparation for an alternative entity to replace the IDF in taking the territory – without this, we are on the way to a military government,” he warned. “The aid will be distributed by private companies, the IDF will guard the companies, but we will all pay the price.” 

Former War Cabinet Minister, Knesset Member Benny Gantz, head of the National Unity party, agreed with Gallant’s assessment, posting soon after on 𝕏: “Israeli security control of Gaza – necessary. Israeli rule, where our soldiers take care of sewage and garbage – a disaster.” 

Gallant’s public criticism comes only a couple of weeks after he was fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, partially over his willingness to publicly criticize government decisions, especially regarding the apparent lack of planning for the "day after" in Gaza.

Netanyahu has butted heads with Gallant over the implementation of a post-war governing body since the beginning of the year. He previously warned that if Israel did not find an alternative government, it would be forced to accept a Hamas government or institute military occupation, which would both represent unacceptable outcomes. 

Israel is reportedly considering the use of private companies to distribute humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, however, the IDF would likely have to help secure the transport and distribution of the aid to prevent looting, which its leadership has opposed. 

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir – both of whom supported Gallant’s dismissal – opposed his comments. 

Ben Gvir wrote on 𝕏: “Tonight it was proven once again how well the Prime Minister did when he fired the failed Defense Minister Gallant – as you know my position is clear that humanitarian aid is only given [in exchange] for humanitarian aid.” 

Ben Gvir believes that humanitarian aid should only enter Gaza in exchange for the release of the hostages. 

Smotrich, in response to Gallant, said Israel should have taken responsibility for the distribution of humanitarian aid. 

“For a whole year, Gallant imagined a non-existent ‘alternative entity’ that would do the work for us, and actually stopped us from taking responsibility for the distribution of humanitarian aid,” Smotrich said in response to Gallant’s remarks. 

Smotrich also argued that Israel should threaten to seize part of the Gaza Strip, which he believes will put pressure on the terror group to release the Israeli hostages who have been held there since Oct. 7, 2023.

“In order to return the hostages, we need to occupy the entire northern Gaza Strip, and inform Hamas unequivocally that if the hostages are not returned home safe and sound, we will apply Israeli sovereignty there and remain forever, and Gaza will lose a third of its territory,” Smotrich stated ahead of the Religious Zionism weekly party meeting at the Knesset.