The Minister’s remarks come at a sensitive juncture as the international community debates the architecture of a post-war Gaza. Barkat was explicit in his rejection of countries he characterized as "supporters of terror," specifically naming Pakistan, Qatar, and Turkey. "Any country that supported terror is not welcome... and that includes Pakistan," Barkat stated, drawing a firm line against the inclusion of Pakistani "boots on the ground" in any proposed peacekeeping or transition force. He accused these nations of long-standing support for jihadi organizations, asserting that Israel would not entrust its security to entities it deems ideologically compromised.
Addressing the broader regional conflict, Barkat characterized Iran’s strategic posture as an "imminent threat" fueled by thousands of ballistic missiles and a network of armed proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Reflecting on recent military engagements, the Minister claimed that Israeli strikes had "dramatically crippled" Iranian capabilities, exposing a significant vulnerability in the regime's defensive umbrella. While he emphasized that Israel's primary objective remains national defense rather than proactive regime change, he suggested that the internal fate of the Iranian leadership rests with the Iranian people, noting, "If they want to overthrow their regime, it's in Iran's best interest."
Despite the bellicose rhetoric toward the "Axis of Resistance," Barkat signaled an openness to diplomatic transformation, citing Israel’s historic peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, as well as the landmark Abraham Accords. He expressed a willingness to collaborate with a reformed Iran should it choose the path of peace, while simultaneously championing the Trump administration’s "Board of Peace" framework as a superior alternative to United Nations-led initiatives, which he dismissed as inherently biased
The Minister’s dismissal of a two-state solution as a "non-starter" further underscores the deepening rift between Israeli policy and traditional international diplomacy. By pointing to a "viable model" of cooperation with local Arab leadership in Hebron, Barkat outlined a vision for Gaza's future rooted in economic development and joint counter-terrorism efforts rather than sovereign statehood. This hardline stance reflects a broader shift in regional dynamics, where security concerns and direct bilateral alliances are increasingly superseding decades-old multilateral peace frameworks.
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