Israel and the UAE reached a preliminary agreement today (Wednesday) regarding governance of Gaza in the “day after” period following the current conflict. According to Abu Dhabi’s perspective, Palestinians should take the lead in initiating the next steps, although the U.S. or international sponsorship could also drive the process, as hinted today by Strategic Affairs Minister, Ron Dermer, in the Knesset.
UAE Rejects Use of Islam for Violence
The UAE expressed a willingness to spearhead reconstruction efforts in Gaza while taking a firm stance against using Islam as a justification for violence. As a leading voice in the Arab world against jihad and incitement, the UAE proposed building infrastructure to ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel while promoting regional stability and security.
Minister Dermer: “No Promise for a Palestinian State”
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, known as one of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s closest confidants, stated in a rare appearance before the Knesset plenum that no commitment has been made to establish a Palestinian state as part of a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia.
“There was no promise for a Palestinian state,” Dermer said in response to a question from MK Oded Forer of Yisrael Beiteinu. He also addressed the post-war governance of Gaza: “We are working on it. Since this is an Israeli-led plan, we need to bring the U.S. and regional players on board. I am optimistic that we can achieve a framework for managing Gaza in the day after, aligned with Netanyahu’s vision.”
Witkoff: “I Will Arrive in Israel Soon”
As reported earlier this evening, U.S. envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in Israel in the coming days to oversee the implementation of the hostage agreement. In an interview with Fox News, Witkoff explained, “I will travel to Israel soon as part of a monitoring team stationed in the Netzarim Corridor to ensure militants do not move northward.” He added that successful implementation of the agreement would pave the way for the next stage, including the return of numerous bodies.
In response to questions about normalization between Israel and Arab states, Witkoff expressed confidence: “I believe all countries in the region can normalize relations with Israel, including Qatar, which played a critical role in securing the agreement.” He described normalization as a significant shift that would bring economic prosperity to the region, adding, “There will no longer be concerns about missile fire from the Houthis or Hezbollah.” Witkoff emphasized that the ceasefire is a crucial precondition for the success of the broader process.
