Israeli Officials Urge Netanyahu to Reject New Trump Pick for Gaza

Senior Israeli officials, including Cabinet minister Orit Strook, are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to veto the proposed appointment of former UN Middle East envoy Nikolay Mladenov to lead the future international administration in Gaza, warning that the move could endanger Israel’s security and constrain IDF operations.

The backlash follows the decision by several Arab states to block the appointment of former British prime minister Tony Blair, citing opposition to his perceived pro-Israel positions. With Blair sidelined, attention has reportedly shifted to Mladenov — a development that has raised red flags in Jerusalem.

In a letter sent Tuesday to Netanyahu and acting National Security Council head Gil Reich, Strook argued that Mladenov’s record as UN special coordinator for the Middle East makes him unfit for the role. She and other officials accused him of consistently advancing a pro–Palestinian Authority line, treating the two-state solution as an overriding objective, and harshly criticizing Israeli security measures.

According to Israeli officials, the position would grant significant authority over a proposed “technocratic committee” tasked with managing Gaza, including the power to set operating norms and arbitrate disputes with the IDF. They warn that placing Mladenov in such a role could prove “catastrophic” when translating US-backed plans for Gaza into reality.

Strook questioned how Mladenov would handle IDF operations in Gaza, noting that he previously condemned Israel over the demolition of terrorists’ homes and accused it of killing civilians. Officials also warned he could push reconstruction efforts before full demilitarization.

They called on Netanyahu to act quickly to block what they describe as a dangerous appointment.