Israeli security officials have recently held discussions on how to protect members of Palestinian militias operating with Israeli support in the Gaza Strip, Kan News reported Thursday.

The talks come ahead of the next phase of the Gaza plan, which could include an Israeli withdrawal. Under the Peace Council framework, the IDF would withdraw beyond the Yellow Line as Hamas disarms.

The militias currently operate in Israeli-controlled areas, where their members search tunnels, weapons and terrorist infrastructure. Israeli officials believe they will be unable to return to areas of Gaza that could again come under Hamas control.

Security officials, led by the Shin Bet, have proposed resettling the militia members in a planned “New Rafah” city that would be built by the United Arab Emirates and secured by the multinational force.

The city is expected to be free of Hamas, and anyone admitted would first undergo Israeli security screening. Israel’s proposal to house the militia members there has been submitted to representatives of the Peace Council.

An Israeli official said the first residents of New Rafah should be Gazans who oppose Hamas, adding, “It is in Israel’s interest.”

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