Palestinian businessman Samir Houlile‘s name is being considered behind the scenes as a possible ruler of the post-war Gaza Strip, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth pointed out in a report today.

Houlile would act under the auspices of the Arab League and is considered acceptable by both Israel and the United States, the publication said.

The aim is to prepare for the transition to a new administration in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said that one of the principles for ending the war was the establishment of a civilian government with a peaceful attitude toward Israel without the involvement of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.

Houlile lives in Ramallah and is a well-known economist, politician and economic leader in the Palestinian Authority, Yedioth Ahronoth reported.

He has held numerous high-ranking positions and is considered a close confidant of Palestinian-American billionaire Bashar Masri, who is known for his good contacts with the administration of US President Donald Trump.

Houlile told Palestinian radio station Ajyal that he is ready to take charge of Gaza. However, he stressed he would not do so without the consent of the Palestinian Authority.

Given Israel’s refusal to assume any role for the Palestinian Authority, the parties involved should be “creative” to find a solution, he said.

Citing the presidential office, the Palestinian news agency WAFA said only the “State of Palestine” “represented by the government or an agreed governing body” is authorized to govern the Gaza Strip in the future.