Multinational Enterprise Buffer Zone to Separate Warring Parties: A Strategic Imperative for ‘The Day After’ in the Gaza Strip

They say good fences make good neighbors, but in the complex aftermath of conflict in the Israeli-Palestinian scenario, particularly when contemplating “the day after” a ceasefire, a good distance from bad neighbors, facilitated through a Buffer Zone, may indeed be even better.

As Israel faces the question of governance and control in the Strip post-conflict, and with international backers like the United States ruling out continuing Israeli control, the necessity for an innovative, sustainable solution becomes essential. In this context, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s challenge to Israel on his last trip is relevant: “the best way to kill a bad idea is to come up with a better one.” A Coexistence Enterprise Zone is that better idea, and the right Israeli response to his challenge. Here’s why:

1. It addresses future governance. Post-conflict, the question of who will govern the Strip looms large. Israel’s reluctance to hand over control to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority are eminently understandable in light of past history. Possession is nine-tenths of the law, and Israel has already done the demolition work for future beachfront development. Given the international community’s opposition to permanent Israeli occupation, there’s a need for a creative, sustainable solution.
2. It addresses security concerns. The history of over 16 years of rocket attacks and recent escalations like those on October 7 highlight the ongoing security concerns. A Buffer Zone provides a necessary layer of safety, ensuring that civilian lives are protected from immediate dangers and future threats. All multinational participants must put skin and money into the game, so they have an interest in ensuring stability. Israel would remain in charge of overall security, and part of the governing mix.
3. It responds to calls for diplomacy. Blinken’s challenge underscores the need for Israel to propose a viable, positive alternative to the current deadlock. The Coexistence Enterprise Zone represents a strategic and innovative response, offering a pathway to peace and stability that addresses international concerns and local needs, including Israel’s essential security and economic interests. Instead of saying no to a two-state solution, Israel can offer an alternative to a zero-sum game.
4. It addresses regional interests in a Mideast Singapore. This is the neutral zone needed for Mideast Business to flourish. No country would invest in a country led by the Palestinians, and no country would invest in an entity that was wholly controlled by Israel. But an internationally protected buffer zone for commerce would not just provided jobs for Gazans. It could be one of the outlets for the envisioned pipeline from the Persian Gulf states.

Envisioning a Coexistence Enterprise Zone: What Might It Look Like?

1. A Hub of Innovation and Economic Growth: Transforming the Buffer Zone into a Coexistence Enterprise Zone creates a dynamic space where tech cooperation flourishes alongside NGO activity. This not only serves as a demilitarized, conflict-free area but also as a bridge to economic prosperity and social progress, pulling in Gulf State, Saudi and western business interests and investments.
2. NGOs as Agents of Stability and Peace: In this zone, NGOs can play a critical role in maintaining peace, providing humanitarian aid, and fostering dialogue. Their presence ensures the area remains dedicated to coexistence, serving as a protective shield and a catalyst for positive change. Effectively, the NGOs are being forced to put their own lives at risk to verify the bona fides of their high-minded pronouncements.
3. Learning from the Past, Building for the Future: The establishment of the Coexistence Enterprise Zone in Gaza is also a recognition of past errors, like the 2005 Disengagement, and a commitment to a better future. It’s a reassurance to all affected populations that their sacrifices and needs are acknowledged and that a sustainable, peaceful future is the goal. It can, potentially be a model for a buffer zone between Israel and the Kingdom of Jordan.

The Coexistence Enterprise Zone is not a far-off concept. It can bring jobs to Gazans and attract big money from the Gulf. It can address Israel’s reasonable security concerns.

It should be Israel’s considered response to Blinken’s challenge, killing the much worse ideas of a handover of land to unrelentingly hostile enemies.

It’s about turning the Buffer Zone in northern Gaza from a symbol of separation and devastation into a proof of the powers of cooperation and innovation.

This approach builds a shared space where security, prosperity and mutual respect pave the way for a lasting peace. You have a better idea?