Lapid Proposes 15-Year Egyptian Governance for Gaza Amid Controversy

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid proposed a plan for Egypt to assume control over Gaza for a period of eight to 15 years following the current ceasefire, aiming to remove Hamas from power and facilitate rebuilding efforts. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry rejected the proposal, calling it inadequate and emphasizing the need for a solution rooted in the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Lapid's plan suggests that international allies would alleviate Egypt's substantial foreign debt as part of the arrangement, linking Egypt's economic challenges to Israel's security concerns. Critics, including former intelligence officer Eli Dekel, argue that the plan could backfire and escalate tensions, citing Egypt's historical violations of agreements. Meanwhile, Lapid expressed admiration for former President Trump's controversial Gaza strategy, suggesting Arab states should manage the territory and advocating for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. This approach underscores a shift towards seeking regional partnerships to address the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.