Israeli Public Broadcasting Authority has released new leaks from Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant regarding relations with the United States and his expectations concerning a Palestinian state. In the leaked recordings from a Likud party meeting in the Knesset, Galant stated that the Americans have understood Israel's position, saying: "The Americans understand now that the Palestinian Authority will not be in Gaza and there will be no Palestinian state."
He emphasized that public American statements are not significant, adding: "Leave the statements, they understand that this is not practical, neither with this government nor with any other government, because Israel cannot bear that."
Galant stated, "We are not prepared under any circumstances for Hamas to rule Gaza... Israeli civil control over Gaza means we need four divisions that the army should somehow possess... thousands of soldiers will pay with their lives over the years."
He continued, "The primary effort that the State of Israel will exert, in general and specifically from a security perspective, will go to Gaza and, worst of all, since we must deal with this issue, we will have to lower our status in critically important places."
The Defense Minister had previously mentioned the necessity for a Palestinian force to control Gaza instead of Israel. He believes a "local alternative" should govern Gaza after Hamas's defeat and has repeatedly emphasized that the most probable post-war governance in the sector is by strengthening local elements.
