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Averting Iranian Influence in Post-War Gaza: The Rehabilitation Issue
[Institute for Contemporary Affairs-Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs] Brig.-Gen. (ret.) Dr. Shimon Shapira - It is of prime importance to prevent Iran from acquiring influence in post-war Gaza through any assistance programs. Following the Second Lebanon War in 2006, Iran and Hizbullah grasped the political and economic significance of the rehabilitation project in the Shiite areas of southern Lebanon damaged during the war. Hizbullah directed the rehabilitation work, while totally ignoring the central Lebanese government, and in this manner regained and even reinforced its influence within the Shiite community. The main objective for Israel and the international community should be to deny Iran the attainment of this objective and to transform the Palestinian Authority into the principal factor, along with Egypt, entrusted with the rehabilitation work in Gaza.