Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined three essential conditions for achieving peace with the Palestinian neighbors in Gaza, according to an opinion piece published in The Wall Street Journal. Netanyahu envisions that once these conditions are met – the dismantling of Hamas, the demilitarization of Gaza, and the deradicalization of Palestinian society – the path to rebuilding Gaza and achieving broader peace in the Middle East will become attainable. Netanyahu asserts that Hamas, identified as an Iranian proxy, must be completely dismantled. This involves not only neutralizing its military capabilities but also ending its political dominance in Gaza.

The rationale behind this demand stems from Hamas's history of violence and its declared intentions to continue such actions. Israel, in its efforts to destroy Hamas, emphasizes adherence to international law, despite the challenges posed by Hamas's tactics, such as using civilians as human shields. The second condition is the complete demilitarization of Gaza, crucial to ensure that Gaza does not serve as a launchpad for attacks against Israel. Netanyahu suggests measures like establishing a security zone around Gaza and implementing strict inspection protocols on the Gaza-Egypt border.

The final prerequisite involves a fundamental shift in Palestinian society, moving away from radical ideologies and towards a culture that values life and peace. This change requires reform in education and religious teachings, promoting messages of coexistence rather than conflict. Netanyahu believes that through these necessary steps, peace can be achieved. Meanwhile, Egypt has been mediating talks between Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Israel to establish a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Egypt has proposed a multiple-stage ceasefire plan, involving temporary and long-term truces, prisoner exchanges, and the withdrawal of Israeli tanks, with both groups rejecting the proposal, insisting on determining the future of Gaza without external influence.