President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are set to meet at the White House on Monday, with the future governance of Gaza without Hamas emerging as one of the most complex challenges facing both leaders as they seek to end the 21-month conflict.
Security experts and Middle East analysts tell Fox News Digital that while the need for an alternative to Hamas rule is clear, virtually every proposed solution faces serious structural, political and security limitations. The meeting comes as Trump has expressed optimism about achieving a ceasefire within a week, though substantive disagreements remain between Israel and Hamas.
“Part of how you win is by showing there’s a viable alternative,” said John Hannah, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) who served in both Republican and Democratic administrations. “People need to see there’s a future beyond Hamas.”
Arab-Backed Technocratic Government Emerges as Leading Option
The most viable path forward, according to multiple experts, involves establishing a non-Hamas technocratic government comprised of Palestinians unaffiliated with either Hamas or the Palestine Liberation Organization. This administration would require backing from key Arab states including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.
Hannah emphasized that while such a new Gaza administration should maintain independence, “some symbolic link to the Palestinian Authority could enhance its legitimacy with the Arabs.” He suggested Ramallah could potentially serve as a pass-through for paying salaries, though “the PA won’t call the shots.”
The urgency of finding an alternative is underscored by the current reality on the ground. The default right now, if Israel ends up leaving Gaza, is Hamas,” warned Ghaith al-Omari, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and former executive director of the American Task Force on Palestine.
Arab States Demand Political Framework
Arab participation faces significant hurdles. Al-Omari stressed that Arab states have made clear conditions for their involvement, requiring operation under a Palestinian national umbrella rather than appearing as an occupying force.
“Without that symbolic PA invitation, Egypt and others won’t come in,” al-Omari explained. But they still need a political framework – some commitment to a two-state solution. Without that, they have absolutely no incentive to play a role in Gaza.”
The Palestinian Authority itself might offer what al-Omari called a “kosher stamp” to satisfy Arab states’ requirements. However, this arrangement would be largely symbolic, with actual governance handled by the technocratic administration.
Israeli Security Demands Complicate Planning
Any new Gaza administration must also secure Israeli approval, which comes with stringent security requirements. An Israeli security official told Fox News Digital that guarantees must include counterterrorism access to prevent Hamas from reemerging.
“Something like what exists in the West Bank – buffer zones, perimeter security, and the right of the IDF or Shin Bet to act on intelligence when needed,” Hannah outlined. This framework would require intensive American-led diplomacy with sustained presence and coordination.
The central role of the United States appears unavoidable. “I can’t see anyone else but the United States doing it – there are too many inner-Arab rivalries,” Hannah said. No other actor has the relationships, resources or trust required to bridge the deep divides between Israel, Arab states and international players.
Qatar’s Controversial Role Under Scrutiny
The potential involvement of Qatar presents particular challenges given its historical relationship with Hamas. Hannah identified Qatar as “the elephant in the room,” noting that while they bring substantial financial resources, their past support for Hamas creates complications.
“If they want a seat at the table, it has to be with strict conditions – money flowing through trusted, externally controlled channels,” Hannah said. “But they can’t be a key player in this effort.”
The United Nations‘ role appears similarly limited. “UNRWA’s days are over,” Hannah stated bluntly, referring to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. They can’t run education or the economy in Gaza anymore. At most, the U.N. might endorse a U.S.-Arab-Israeli plan with a Security Council resolution – but they won’t play an operational role.
Local Governance Model Gains Traction
An alternative approach gaining quiet support in some Israeli and American circles involves empowering local clans to establish self-governing enclaves within Gaza. Joseph Braude, president of the Center for Peace Communications, has engaged extensively with activists on the ground and sees potential in this decentralized model.
“It may not be realistic to talk about one civil administration managing all of Gaza right now,” Braude explained. “But in discrete geographical enclaves within the strip, you can pilot non-Hamas self-rule. Local Gazans patro
