"One must not give up the yellow line": Giora Eiland's warning
Former National Security Council head Giora Eiland opposes the 15-point plan for Gaza. He emphasizes that Israel must maintain the "yellow line" as a security buffer and has no interest in the rehabilitation of the Strip.
Major General (res.) Giora Eiland, former head of the National Security Council, former head of the Operations Directorate, and former head of the Planning Directorate, spoke on Sunday on 103FM regarding the 15-point document of the Peace Council for Gaza, relations with the United States, and the future of the Strip.
Eiland recalled the previous 20-point plan: "Israel accepted it because the priority was the return of all hostages. We were willing to swallow frogs to avoid dragging the process out for months. However, the current 15 points represent a pro-Hamas interpretation aimed at creating a new reality, which we cannot accept."
In his view, the problem lies in the narrative: "Israel should never have accepted the story that Gaza is just a territory with 2 million poor people in need of care. On October 7, the 'state of Gaza,' with an army of 40,000 fighters, including 3,000 commandos, launched a vicious war against the State of Israel."
"In war, the losing side faces consequences. Germany, after losing World War II, was forced to give up 25% of its territory," Eiland noted. "Israel cannot give up the 'yellow line.' This is not a punishment, but a supreme security necessity. I find Israel's recent conduct towards the USA scandalous, as it relies excessively on the personal connection between Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump."
He added that in the past, dozens of senior officials worked between Israel and the US administration to influence presidential positions. "Today, the government has cut off everyone who knows how to talk to the Americans. I do not believe Ron Dermer possesses the necessary understanding of the Israeli narrative or the required depth of reality," he stated.
Eiland clearly defined Israel's interests: "It is not in our interest for Gaza to be rehabilitated. It is better for us that it remains destroyed for generations to come. History proves that Palestinians attack us not out of despair, but out of hope. If Gaza becomes a monument to the events of October 7, that is good. Israel has no interest in being responsible for an enemy state."
Regarding the Peace Council's plan, he added: "Netanyahu was right to fear that heavy weaponry would remain in the Strip. We need the 'yellow line'—not for settlements, but as a security buffer between our communities and the area where the IDF can operate."
In conclusion, Eiland pointed out a tactical error by the Prime Minister: "One must never simply say 'no.' One should use the formula 'yes, but...' Israel can make temporary tactical concessions, such as on targeted killings, but on fateful issues like the 'yellow line,' it must not yield."
