Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned Wednesday that an Israeli military rule in the Gaza Strip would be a "dangerous trend" and "the price paid would be bloodshed."
"A dangerous trend is developing that advances the idea of Israeli military and civilian governance in Gaza," Gallant said in a televised speech.
"This is a negative and dangerous option for the State of Israel strategically, militarily, and from a security standpoint."
He warned that a military rule in Gaza would become the main security and military effort of Israel over the coming years.
"The price paid would be bloodshed and victims, as well as a heavy economic price," he said.
"I will not agree to the establishment of Israeli military administration in Gaza. Israel must not exercise civilian control in Gaza," the defense minister stressed.
Gallant termed Israel's relationship with the US as "strong" and "dynamically stable despite differences in opinion."
"The United States stands by us, and conflicts are resolved in closed rooms, not in media interviews or tweets," he said, in reference to critical statements of US President Joe Biden by Israeli government ministers following a decision to pause arms transfer to Israel over its military offensive in Rafah in southern Gaza.
The Israeli minister vowed to dismantle Hamas' governing capabilities in Gaza.
"The key to this goal is military action, and the establishment of a governing alternative in Gaza," he said. "In the absence of such an alternative, only two negative options remain: Hamas's rule in Gaza or Israeli military rule in Gaza.
"The meaning of indecision is choosing one of the negative options. It would erode our military achievements, reduce the pressure on Hamas, and sabotage the chances of achieving a framework for the release of hostages," he said.
Gallant said that the "day after Hamas" will only be achieved with Palestinian entities taking control of Gaza, accompanied by international actors, establishing a governing alternative to Hamas' rule.
"Unfortunately, this issue was not raised for discussion, and worse, no alternative was brought up in its place," he added.
Israel has waged a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip in retaliation for an Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which killed 1,200 people.
More than 35,230 Palestinians have since been killed in Gaza, mostly women and children, and over 79,140 others injured, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Israel is accused of "genocide" at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered Tel Aviv to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.
*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala -
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