Khaberni - Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported from a source at the "Peace Council" that Israel possesses a "supreme interest" in leading and financing the debris removal operation in the Gaza Strip, as it is a step intertwined with the removal of unexploded ordnance and the destruction of the tunnel network.
The source confirmed that Israel is "the only party capable of destroying the tunnels with the required speed", considering it a purely military and political interest for it.
The source explained that countries' contributions to the debris removal efforts would depend more on "good faith" than being a binding commitment, noting that the volume of work requires wide participation, but the crucial role will remain linked to Israel's capabilities and field plans.
These statements were made on the sidelines of the "Peace Council" conference, which was held on Thursday in Washington, where financial pledges of no less than 17 billion dollars were announced.
These pledges include 10 billion from the United States - although Trump did not confirm the full allocation of the amount for reconstruction - in addition to about 7 billion from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan.
Trump also announced that the United Nations will provide humanitarian aid worth two billion dollars under the "supervision" of the council, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed FIFA's intention to raise 75 million dollars for football projects.
The Israeli newspaper added that - despite these pledges - it is not yet clear when the funds will be transferred, nor whether they will be fully allocated for reconstruction, as the most pressing question remains related to the funding of the debris removal and unexploded ordnance phase.
