כ״ט אלול ה׳תשפ״ה | September 22, 2025
Autonomy in Gaza? A Dangerous Illusion
Amid the war in Gaza and discussions about the “day after,” Australian businessman Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Gutnick – known as the Rebbe’s Shliach for Shleimus Haaretz – warns: “Autonomy in Gaza is a dangerous illusion, carrying serious security, political, and spiritual risks.”
By Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Gutnick
Talks about establishing Palestinian autonomy in Gaza have resurfaced in Israel, sometimes presented as a path to so-called “stability.” But this is an illusion, fraught with security, political, and spiritual dangers.
The Rebbe repeatedly made clear his unwavering opposition to any form of Palestinian autonomy, through letters, talks, and personal responses. This is not a minor issue; autonomy is a central concern and a direct threat to the people of Israel. Even discussing “autonomy” grants legitimacy to the enemy and strengthens their position.
The Rebbe gave a personal, explicit mission to constantly warn against any autonomy plan. This duty requires stating plainly that terms like “civil autonomy,” “civil administration,” or any other euphemism all represent a slippery slope that endangers Israel’s security.
History – from Oslo to the Disengagement – has shown that territorial concessions or autonomy plans lead to bloodshed and empower terrorism. Repeating these mistakes is not an option.
“Shleimus Haaretz” is not a political slogan; it is a divine commandment and a matter of life and death. It is our responsibility to defend the people of Israel and preserve the integrity of the entire Land of Israel.
COMMENTS
So what is the alternative?
Do we A) kick all the Palestinians out of Gaza? B) annex Gaza to Israel and make everyone living there a citizen? C) keep controlling an Arab population in Gaza that is growing and is growing more and more hopeless? D) something else?
Tachlis, if we’re against any form of autonomy, what are we for, practically speaking?
It’s very simple. Full and unequivocal annexation of the entire territory. Voluntary displacement of all who so desire with $0 going towards rebuilding Arab Gaza (their war, their fault, their responsibility to rebuild). An immediate re-establishment of all Jewish villages and towns that were uprooted and displaced in 2005. As to the Arab citizens who remain, perhaps they can have a path to citizenship if they learn Hebrew; Get skills so that they can contribute to the economy; Completely de-radicalize and recognize that they are living in the ancient G-d-given Homeland of the Jewish people.
Former ambassador David Friedman drew parallels to to territories of various countries namely the USA, France, etc. That all have territories with no voting rights for their populations…