Netanyahu’s vague vision for Gaza after war may open up new chapter of violence

PM's once unthinkable assertion Israel will reclaim security in territory would come with responsibilities towards Palestinians

• Israel and Hamas at war - latest updates

The last time Israeli troops had a permanent security role inside Gaza, Israel's prime minister was Ariel Sharon. Twenty-one Israeli settlements were scattered across the Gaza Strip, connected to Israel through a bypass road, used by Israeli surfers at the weekend to reach the coast.

Soldiers manned checkpoints and metal-clad towers. At night, Palestinian children would approach the towers under cover of darkness to throw crude pipe bombs that could be bought for pocket money.