Not Just the Gaza Deal: Phase B Aims to Reshape Regional Power Dynamics

Pinhas Inbari, a researcher and commentator on the Arab world, says in an interview with 'Davar' that the transition to Phase B in Gaza goes beyond the Strip's borders and aims to reshape regional power dynamics. According to him, the move is linked to alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi normalization, the dismantling of Hamas's heavy weapons, and the struggle for influence in the Strip. Inbari claims that Israel does not decide what happens in Gaza, and that Hamas is in survival mode and willing to give up power in exchange for keeping its light weapons.

Pinhas Inbari, a researcher and commentator on the Arab world, says in an interview with 'Davar' that the transition to Phase B in Gaza is not limited to the Strip but aims to reshape regional power dynamics. According to him, the backdrop to the move is a regional struggle over trade routes and power relations between the moderate and radical Sunni camps. Inbari claims that Israel does not decide what happens in Gaza, and that Biden said 'DON'T' to Nasrallah, and Trump is directing the 'DON'T' to Netanyahu. He links the urgency in advancing the move to the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, and claims that Saudi Arabia needs normalization with Israel to advance a trade and energy route through Israel to the Mediterranean, but does not really want a Palestinian state. Inbari says that Hamas is in survival mode, and is willing to give up power and hand over its heavy weapons in exchange for keeping its light weapons. He adds that Qatar and Turkey are interested in the progress of the plan, and that Israel may remain more isolated if it does not change its policy.