Israeli General Amos Gilad, former head of the Operations Directorate in the Israeli army, stated that the plan to impose direct military rule in Gaza is an "illusion that will soon dissipate."

In an article published by Yedioth Ahronoth, Gilad warned that while such a plan might seem appealing—appearing to ensure Hamas's defeat—it would, in reality, weaken Israel. He argued that maintaining direct control would cost billions of dollars, with tens of billions needed to rebuild Gaza.

He also criticized the plan to concentrate Palestinians in a so-called “humanitarian city,” warning that it would result in a major political disaster for Israel: “Arab countries will distance themselves, Israel’s international standing will continue to erode, and eventually, even Trump will turn his back on us.”