Unveiling Israel's Post-War Strategy for Gaza

Israel's military campaign in Gaza, codenamed "Operation Swords of Iron," aims to destroy Hamas and its infrastructure, but there is no clear plan for governing the ravaged Palestinian enclave post-war. While Israel has called up a record number of reservists and is intensively bombarding Gaza, there is concern that they lack an exit strategy. Arab officials and some of President Biden's aides are alarmed by the absence of a clear plan for Gaza's future. The fear is that the conflict could escalate beyond Gaza, potentially involving Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iran. Washington is proposing to re-energize the Palestinian Authority, but doubts remain about its ability to govern Gaza if Hamas is driven out. Calls for humanitarian corridors and escape routes for civilians have drawn strong reactions from Arab neighbors, who fear a new wave of displacement.