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“I believe it will be very hard to demilitarize Gaza, but it is possible to do it by international effort, using a carrot and stick approach. I believe it will work.”

There are many obstacles to such a plan, however, notably the displeasure of Western leaders at continued expansion of Israeli settlements, including news this week of the largest seizure of land in decades, at Gush Etzion.

The Kadima leader said Israel should check the legality of this move, even if its ultimate goal is to acquire it in a land swap.

“I’m not sure this is legal,” he said. “This is not the time to do it. This is not the time to offer such proposal in order to increase the number of the [Israeli] people in Gush Etzion.

“Although I agree that Gush Etzion will be part of the state of Israel in any agreement in the future, but at the same time we have to be very careful about the timing. I believe that the timing is not right.”

He denied the impression Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has seen his fortunes rise since the ceasefire, citing the group’s loss of Egyptian support, tunnels, other smuggling infrastructure, and perhaps 1,000 people.

“I don’t believe he is now more stronger,” he said. “They lost power, I believe, in the eyes of countries in our region, and the eyes of Western countries as well.”

Mr. Mofaz also cast skepticism on the impression in the West Hassan Rouhani, who last year became president of Iran, is a moderate and conciliatory leader.

“I believe that in order to achieve a better economic situation in Iran, he has to change his attitude and have the support of the Western countries,” said Mr. Mofaz, who was born in Iran and immigrated to Israel as a boy.