Pros:
1. Increased stability: Allowing the Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza could potentially bring more stability to the region.
2. Potential for peace negotiations: Engaging with the Palestinian Authority might provide an opportunity for renewed peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
3. International support: Granting a role to the Palestinian Authority could garner international support and strengthen diplomatic ties.
4. Reduced burden on Israel: Sharing governance responsibilities with the Palestinian Authority could alleviate some of the pressure on Israel in managing Gaza’s affairs.
Cons:
1. Trust issues: Netanyahu’s rejection of the proposal reveals a lack of trust between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, hindering cooperation.
2. Security concerns: Concerns about Hamas resurging or gaining influence through the Palestinian Authority’s involvement in governing Gaza could pose security threats to Israel.
3. Political implications: Granting a role to the Palestinian Authority might have political implications within Israel, leading to domestic disagreement and potential challenges for Netanyahu’s government.
4. Shift in power dynamics: Allowing the Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza could potentially change the power dynamics and influence balance in the region, which may not be desirable for Netanyahu’s government.
U.S. officials suggest involving the Palestinian body in governance post-Hamas, a proposition dismissed by Netanyahu.