In Davos, the Israeli President Isaac Herzog engaged in a discussion with a forum's president regarding the ongoing war in Gaza. When asked about the end game of the conflict, President Herzog emphasized the need for a coalition of nations committed to rebuilding Gaza in a manner that prioritizes the safety and well-being of both Israel and the Palestinians. He acknowledged the importance of strong Western and regional forces, as well as engaging in dialogue with Palestinians from Gaza and the Palestinian Authority.
President Herzog highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive vision, mentioning the potential for a normalization process between Israel and its regional neighbors as part of the larger package. He stressed the importance of undermining Hamas' capabilities to support these efforts. The Israeli President's remarks align with recent statements from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who also emphasized the potential for normalization in the region if certain conditions are met.
Regarding the post-war governance of Gaza, President Herzog's opinion diverged from that of the United States. While the US has advocated for the Palestinian Authority to take on a pivotal role in governing Gaza, Israel expressed concerns about the PA's capacity to effectively control the region. President Herzog emphasized the need for a broad coalition of nations to prevent a return to previous conditions and ensure Israel's security along the Gaza border.
In terms of proxy attacks in the region, the Pentagon stated that the conflict has not extended beyond Gaza. However, recent incidents involving the Houthis in Yemen have raised concerns about escalation. The Houthis launched missiles at US vessels, causing damage but no injuries. The US has responded with airstrikes against Houthi targets, reflecting an increase in military engagement.
While the US and its allies have targeted over 60 sites in Yemen, they have only managed to neutralize a fraction of the Houthis' weapons capabilities. This demonstrates the difficulty in attempting to curb their attacks. The Houthis have shown their ability to evade airstrikes and continue to pose a threat.
The recent proxy attacks raise questions about the potential for a wider conflict and increased violence in the region. Concerns have been amplified by the Houthis' ability to target vessels passing through the Red Sea, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the situation.
Overall, the future of the war in Gaza remains uncertain, with differing opinions on the desired outcome and post-war governance. Efforts to rebuild Gaza require a coordinated international approach that addresses the security concerns of both Israel and the Palestinians. The proxy attacks in the region present an additional challenge, requiring heightened vigilance to prevent further escalation and protect the safety of all parties involved.
