Dream of ‘Greater Israel’ will not come true: Analyst
Israel will not hesitate to resume war to achieve own goals
By Sadeq Dehqan
Staff writer
As the cease-fire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime moves toward its second phase, doubts are creeping in regarding the commitment of Israel and its backers to the deal. This skepticism is fueled by US President Donald Trump’s controversial plan for the forced relocation of Gaza’s population and frequent violations of the cease-fire by Israel.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Israel continues to resist moving forward with the second phase and has refused to release Palestinian prisoners. In response, Hamas has conditioned the continuation of the agreement on guarantees to prevent a return to hostilities.
Brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, the cease-fire agreement was signed on January 19 and consists of three phases, each lasting 42 days. The first phase involves the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza, the return of Palestinian refugees to northern Gaza, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the territory.
During this phase, necessary measures and plans for the comprehensive reconstruction of homes, civilian facilities, and infrastructure destroyed during the conflict is initiated under the supervision of several countries and organizations, including Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.
The second phase encompasses the release of all remaining hostages, a permanent cease-fire, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. The third phase includes the return of all remaining bodies, the reopening of border crossings, facilitating the movement of people and goods, and further reconstruction of Gaza under the oversight of Egypt, Qatar, and the UN.
In light of Trump’s forced relocation plan, the cease-fire process, the future of Hamas, and Gaza’s destiny, Iran Daily conducted an interview with Abdolfazl Salehinia, an expert on Middle Eastern and Palestinian issues, the details of which are outlined below:
IRAN DAILY: What is your opinion on Trump’s plan for the forced relocation of Gaza’s population and its objectives?
SALEHINIA: Trump’s plan for the forced relocation of the people of Gaza is framed within the context of ensuring the security of the Israeli regime and realizing the dream of a Greater Israel. Whether this vision encompasses the land from the river to the sea or aims to expand Israeli territory as much as possible is still up for debate.
Currently, Gaza faces extreme devastation, with all infrastructure destroyed and no clear plans for rapid reconstruction. This rebuilding effort requires a massive budget that is not readily available. Meanwhile, the Israeli regime is likely to create obstacles to the reconstruction of Gaza, creating a situation where Trump and his advisors may believe the ground is ripe to entice the residents of Gaza with promises of a prosperous and secure life, encouraging them to leave their homeland. However, many analysts have deemed this plan a failure from the outset, predicting that this dream is unattainable.
As we have seen, the people of Gaza have bravely and resolutely declared their intention to remain in their land. Although Arab countries may support many of Israel’s expansionist plans due to their covert and overt relations with the Israeli regime, they have refrained from endorsing the forced relocation of Gaza’s population. Opposition to this plan has been so strong that even Trump has somewhat retreated from his initial firm stance, declaring that his proposal was merely a suggestion and expressing surprise that the Palestinians did not accept it.
Trump’s surprise reflects a stark 180-degree shift in his mindset compared to other Westerners who put forward solutions for the region and the Palestinian people without realizing that the Palestinians have lived by resistance and will continue to do so, refusing to leave their homeland.
In that case, do you believe Trump’s plan will remain just an idea without any practical grounds?
Certainly, this does not mean they will cease their efforts to implement this plan. They will undoubtedly explore various avenues to realize this agenda, as Israel is determined to ensure that Gaza does not revert to being a base for resistance groups. As long as the people of Gaza reside there, resistance will undoubtedly persist. However, whether this plan is feasible is another matter. From the perspective of the Palestinian people and supporters of resistance, this plan is either a dream that cannot be realized or it will be obstructed. Nonetheless, this will not deter Israel and its leaders, along with their allies—particularly the United States—from pursuing such plans. Naturally, if this initiative fails, they will seek alternative paths and tools to achieve their objectives, likely resorting to threats of renewed conflict and violence, as chatters of resuming hostilities are already echoing.
How sustainable do you believe the cease-fire between Hamas and Israel is, and how committed do you think the Israeli regime will be to its obligations?
The Israeli regime has a dismal track record of failing to adhere to commitments, laws, treaties, and any agreements it has previously signed. A review of Israel’s history shows that whenever it has been in a position of strength and capable of imposing its will, it has not hesitated to ignore its promises and breach agreements.