Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has proposed that Egypt take control of the Gaza Strip for at least eight years following the ongoing war, in exchange for international debt relief.
Speaking at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) think tank in Washington on Tuesday, Lapid outlined his vision for post-war Gaza, suggesting that Egypt would oversee governance with the possibility of extending its role to 15 years.
“The solution is Egypt will take responsibility for the management of the Gaza Strip for eight years with an option to extend to 15 years,” Lapid said.
He added that Egypt’s external debt would be paid off by the international community and regional allies in return for taking on this role.
Under this plan, Egypt would lead a “peace force” alongside Gulf states and the international community to rebuild and manage Gaza.
“During that period, the conditions for self-governance in Gaza will be created, and the process of the total demilitarisation of Gaza will be completed,” Lapid said.
Israel launched its most recent military bombardment of Gaza after Hamas attacked on October 7, 2023. Israel has since destroyed the enclave, with over 46,000 dead, mostly civilian women and children, according to reports.
