As Israel's military operations in Gaza draw nearer to a close, the crucial question of the region's future becomes increasingly pressing. With a substantial portion of Gaza's population displaced, the world watches as Israel lays the groundwork for the post-conflict phase. The path forward, however, remains uncertain, with various proposals and challenges complicating the situation.

Several Israeli security officials, speaking to Fox News Digital, highlighted the absence of a simple solution. The consensus, however, points towards the significant influence of the incoming Trump administration on Gaza's trajectory. Former Israeli military intelligence chief Amos Yadlin emphasized the potential "Trump effect," suggesting that the new administration could facilitate previously unattainable progress and exert greater pressure on Hamas.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently ignited debate with his vision for Gaza's future. Katz asserted Israel's intention to maintain complete security control over Gaza, similar to its presence in the West Bank, preventing any resurgence of terrorist activity. This statement suggests a future where Israel retains security oversight while new governance structures are implemented.

A circulating proposal suggests a collaborative effort between Egypt and the Palestinian Authority to establish a "technocratic" body responsible for Gaza's infrastructure, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction. This body, composed of independent Palestinian figures, could potentially reshape the power dynamics within Gaza.

Israeli officials in Jerusalem have emphasized their intention to maintain security control without re-establishing settlements in Gaza. They envision collaborating with Arab nations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt in the reconstruction process. However, senior IDF officials caution that without a well-defined strategic plan, the gains of the military campaign could be reversed. They stress the need for a viable alternative to Hamas to prevent the cyclical nature of conflict.

The uncertainty surrounding U.S. policy under the new administration contributes to the lack of a cohesive strategy, according to some Israeli officials. The focus has been on other regional challenges, including Lebanon, Iran, the Houthis, and Syria, making Gaza's reconstruction a lower priority. The officials also emphasize the importance of hostage release and the complete dismantling of Hamas before the war can end.

Several contrasting plans for Gaza's future have emerged. Retired Major General Giora Eiland proposes a more forceful approach involving the evacuation of northern Gaza's population and a subsequent siege to pressure Hamas into submission and secure the release of hostages. Eiland envisions long-term Israeli military control over parts of Gaza without civilian presence or settlements. However, this approach has drawn criticism for potentially worsening the humanitarian crisis.

In contrast, Major General (res.) Amos Yadlin advocates for a diplomatic solution, suggesting a mechanism of Palestinian technocrats mentored by Arab groups like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, and Morocco. Yadlin believes these Arab states hold the key to stabilizing Gaza after Hamas's military infrastructure is dismantled. He envisions Hamas potentially transitioning into a political party contingent on their acceptance of the 2017 Quartet conditions.

The role of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza's future remains a contentious point. Israeli officials have explicitly excluded the PA from post-Hamas governance due to their perceived inefficiencies in the West Bank. This exclusion raises concerns about the feasibility of a technocratic model without PA involvement.

Amidst this debate, the UAE has emerged as a crucial player, acceptable to all parties, due to its willingness to participate in humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. While Israel welcomes Arab involvement in reconstruction, security remains paramount, with a firm commitment to preventing Hamas from regaining control.