Yair Lapid Proposes Egypt Manage Gaza for Eight Years in Exchange for Debt Relief

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has proposed that Egypt assume governance of the Gaza Strip for eight years, potentially extending to 15 years, in exchange for substantial debt relief. Acknowledging Egypt’s economic strains, he anticipates that President El Sisi might entertain the idea despite some initial hesitation. The proposal aims to establish a collaborative peace management structure involving Gulf states and the international community while transitioning control to a reformed Palestinian Authority.

On Tuesday, Yair Lapid, the Israeli opposition leader, proposed that Egypt assume management and security control of the Gaza Strip for an initial eight-year period, in exchange for significant debt relief. He suggested that the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi might find the proposal appealing due to Egypt’s rising financial burdens, exacerbated by declining tourism linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Gaza.

Mr. Lapid highlighted Egypt’s crippling external debt, which exceeds $155 billion, stating, “If President El Sisi can’t subsidise pitta bread for the poor in Egypt, if he can’t pay the bills for the Egyptian military, his leadership is at risk.” Under his proposal, Egypt’s responsibilities would include governing the Gaza Strip for eight years, with the possibility of extending this arrangement to 15 years, while international and regional allies would help alleviate Egypt’s foreign debt.

This was Mr. Lapid’s first public presentation of this idea, noting he had yet to discuss it with Egyptian authorities. He optimistically anticipated that although Cairo may initially reject the proposal, it would come to reconsider. Speaking at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies in Washington, he emphasized that Egypt would manage Gaza, leading a collaborative peace effort alongside the Gulf states and the international community.

Additionally, Lapid proposed that after the initial management period, control would transition to an empowered and reformed Palestinian Authority, stating, “We are asking them to manage Gaza for 15 years. That’s a huge difference…”

In the context of regional tensions, he mentioned President Trump’s controversial suggestion that the US should oversee Gaza, urging for understanding over alternative proposals. He provided historical context, noting Egypt’s previous control over Gaza from 1948 to 1956 and for an additional decade, indicating that managing Gaza would not require annexation. To address security concerns, he affirmed the necessity of cooperation in countering threats from Hamas, stating, “We will have to work together in preventing terror from happening.”

In conclusion, Yair Lapid’s proposal for Egypt to manage Gaza for an initial eight years offers a potential solution to the region’s challenges, particularly within the context of Egypt’s economic struggles. The initiative aims to relieve Egypt’s debt while fostering regional collaboration for peacekeeping and rebuilding efforts. The transitional governance plan, leading eventually to Palestinian Authority control, highlights a strategic approach towards stabilizing Gaza amidst complex political dynamics.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com