Overview

• President Donald Trump authorized Tony Blair to mobilize regional and international stakeholders behind a post-war plan to create the Gaza International Transitional Authority (GITA).

• 450,000 Gazans have moved from north to south of Gaza city, and 80% of the population is now concentrated in 20% of the territory. 

• The anti-Hamas “Abu-Shabab” Gaza militia, released footage of new recruits in training, plus a school video where children thank the group for humanitarian and educational support, as they attempt to legitimize their establishment of local security. Separately, a new militia in Khan Younis, reportedly led by Fatah figure Hassam al-Astal has also emerged.

• MAFAT (the Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Defense R&D) and Rafael announced a successful series of interceptions tests in recent weeks using the high-energy laser system formerly called “Or Eitan”. The system would become operational in the upcoming weeks, and has the ability to intercept UAV, drones, anti-aircraft missiles etc.

• Significant high-level discussions took place this past week addressing the future of South Syria, including a five-hour meeting between Syrian FM Shaibani and Minister Ron Dermer and, a trilateral meeting in Damascus with Syrian FM Asaad al-Shibani, Jordanian FM Ayman Safadi, and U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack.

• Pro-government Turkish media released a “target bank” of Israeli sites for a potential bilateral conflict, listing IAF bases (Nevatim, Hatzerim, Ramat David, the Kirya),…